Upon retirement, many people slow things way down. The lawn needs to be mowed? It can wait until tomorrow. Dishes in the sink need to be washed? I’ll get to it later. Wasn’t I going to learn how to play the guitar? Maybe next week.

Yes, many retirees look at retirement as a time to just chill. Well, at just 43 (she’ll turn 44 in October) Annika Sorenstam is not your average retiree… not by a longshot.

One of the most successful female golfers of all time – many argue the best ever – Sorenstam made the personal decision to walk away from the game back in 2008 to start a family and focus on the many facets of her ANNIKA-branded business.

Sure, even the most casual of golf fans know the name Annika Sorenstam and her worldly success on the course. But, the staggering numbers Sorenstam compiled over her 15-year Hall of Fame career still evoke inspiration and awe; 89 worldwide victories, 72 LPGA wins, 10 major championships, more than $22 million in career earnings, eight Rolex Player of the Year awards, the list goes on and on.

And just in case you forgot, “Ms. 59” remains the only female player ever to break the magical 60 mark in an official event.

I checked in with Sorenstam as she returned from a trip to China recently to get her thoughts about family, overcoming her fear of public speaking, the state of the LPGA, her lifelong passion to help kids lead healthier lives and a possible Solheim Cup captaincy.

Below is my Q&A with Annika Sorenstam.

What’s a typical day like for you with all your family and business responsibilities?

AS: I think my routine now is like most working mothers. There is a lot of teamwork between my husband, Mike (McGee), and me. We get up early and have breakfast together as a family, then get the kids off to school. If I have time, I’ll try to work out and then go to the office, Academy, or do work from my home office. Many times I’ll have a photo shoot, interviews, or T.V. appearances. Then once the kids get home from school, we play outside or swim. Sometimes they have activities like gymnastics or soccer. Then I’ll cook dinner and we get washed up for bedtime and read with the kids. Then once they’re asleep, I’ll catch up on more work or read the latest news.

You have spoken a lot about how shy you were as a kid. Talk about how you overcame it.

AS: Yes, I used to three-putt or make bogies down the stretch if I thought I was going to win. I would finish second or third, still get a trophy, but not have to speak. Finally, my parents realized this trend and told the tournament director to have all three places speak. I was shocked when I had to do it, but I managed to get through it and realized it wasn’t that bad. Over the years, my confidence has grown and today I love giving corporate speeches.

There are so many young players making a splash on the LPGA Tour right now. Who are some of your favorites?

AS: I think the LPGA is in a great place and Mike Whan (LPGA Commissioner) is doing an excellent job. Lydia Ko is an amazing, young talent. Lexi Thompson has a lot of talent and has won a major. Jessica Korda is a great young player. And we forget Michelle Wie is still young and playing well.

The LPGA Tour itself seems to have found a really good groove right now. What are your thoughts on the Tour’s overall health?

AS: Mike (Whan) did a great job getting them through the recession and playing on the fact that we are a global tour. He has embraced that, and in turn so have the players, sponsors and fans. I am very happy with women’s golf today.

How is your course design business going?

AS: Our course design business like many others has been a little slower than we’d like it the past couple years. We have some projects in various stages of construction throughout Europe and Asia and are always looking to add more.

You have mentioned in the past your desire to see more women branch out into leadership roles beyond the course. What are your thoughts about someone like Suzy Whaley who is hoping to make an impact off it as secretary of the PGA?

AS: As a female entrepreneur, I think it’s important to have female executives in all industries. You see more and more female CEO’s and leaders in corporate America. Suzy is a good example of a female who is willing to challenge herself and take risks to further the game and herself as a person and I applaud that.

Why is it so important for you to promote the game to young people and to help kids learn about the importance of a healthy lifestyle?

AS: That answer is simple; these are my passions. The mission of my Foundation is to teach children the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle through fitness and nutrition and offer junior golfers opportunities to pursue their dreams. Nearly 1/3 of all kids in the world are obese, which leads to many health problems and costs down the road that are preventable. We as parents can all help by just eating less fatty junk food and getting our kids off the video games and outside playing. Growing the game is also important because it teaches you so many things about life and is a sport you can play your entire life.

Talk about the Annika Foundation and some of the great things going on there.

AS: My Foundation has partnered with key organizations to promote healthy, active lifestyles for children. They include SPARK, the Florida Hospital for Children in support of its Healthy 100 Kids initiative, and The First Tee to develop its Nine Healthy Habits curriculum for children.

We host the ANNIKA Junior Day in Memory of Holly Baxter each year at my Academy. Annually, we also conduct four major golf events for aspiring junior girls, including an award-winning AJGA tournament, the ANNIKA Invitational at Reunion Resort in Orlando. The others are the ANNIKA Invitational at Mission Hills, the first all-girls junior tournament in China; the ANNIKA Invitational in Europe; and the ANNIKA Cup, a team event for the top juniors in Sweden.

This year, with the support of 3M, the Haskins Commission and Golfweek, our Foundation created the ANNIKA Award Presented By 3M, which will be given to the best collegiate female golfer. In concert with the award, the Foundation launched the ANNIKA Intercollegiate Presented By 3M, a college tournament featuring 12 of the top Division I schools. It will be held September 27-30 on the challenging Watson Course at Reunion Resort.

Who is filling out the last three spots in your dream foursome and where are you playing?

AS: It used to be business leaders and good-looking actors, but now it would be my family.

Is serving as Solheim Cup captain on your bucket list?

AS: Absolutely. I have been asked the past three Solheim Cups to be the captain of Europe. That is a tremendous honor and one which I do not take lightly. Unfortunately, with our young family, our different businesses and my sponsor obligations, I have simply not had the time that needs to be committed from a great captain. Instead, I have offered my services as vice-captain, and I look forward to serving that role again in Germany next year. It would be an honor to captain the European team and I definitely hope to do it one day.

Where do you want to be in ten years?

AS: I hope to simply be a mom and wife who travels much less for work and spends most of my time with my family and friends at our homes in Lake Tahoe and Orlando. That would make me very happy.