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Lexus Cup

My photo shoot went well with Cutter and Buck Friday despite the rain. I’m actually happy it rained because I think they needed it in San Diego after the recent fires. 

We are on our way to Perth, Australia for the Lexus Cup. This is the third year and also my third year as a captain of the International team. 

Lexus is a personal sponsor of mine, so it will be an honor to represent them again.  We are playing at The Vines in Western Australia, which is a new venue for this event. I’ve never been to Perth so I’m really looking forward to it. 

We won the cup in 2005, but Asia won last year, so we are determined to bring the cup back to the international team!!  Se Ri Pak will captain the Asian team, so I am expecting a very strong team and some tough competition. Keep your fingers crossed !!

Back On The Road...

After a restful Thanksgiving, things have returned back to normal. On Wednesday, we flew to Seattle to visit the Cutter & Buck headquarters. Cutter & Buck is my longtime partner and the manufacturer of my clothing line, the ANNIKA Collection. They showed me the distribution center – how everything is embroidered, how efficiently they can ship merchandise, and how their headquarters operates. It was a VERY impressive operation and it was fun to get an inside look at how things are done.  I also got a chance to sign autographs and take photos with many of the employees. Then I met with the ANNIKA Collection design team and went through the spring 2009 collection. It is looking great! In its ninth season (fall and spring), I'm proud to say that the collection has become the best selling women’s line at Cutter & Buck, accounting for over 50% of women’s sales.

Welcome from Pam!

Happy Holidays! My name is Pam Kehoe and I am the Director of Operations at the ANNIKA Academy. I began working with Annika in January just as the Academy building started taking shape. It has been a busy and exciting year at the Academy as we completed the building phase, organized programs, developed marketing materials and designed ANNIKA Academy retail items and products.  Annika has always been the primary contact for decisions at the Academy....right down to the towels in the locker rooms.  Her continued involvement at the Academy would probably amaze most people. As Christian stated, we think one of the most rewarding parts of our job at the Academy is seeing the happiness and passion in our guests during their stay. Their testimonials of success and inspiration make it easy for us to continue to strive to be the best!

Swede win !!

I would like to congratulate Björn Åkesson on his win in the Polo Golf Junior Classic at GINN Reunion Resort in Orlando, FL. This was his first AJGA title and it came in their most prestigious event of the year. I am proud to say that Björn was the male recipient of the ANNIKA SORENSTAM GOLF SCHOLARSHIP earlier this year. I started this scholarship in 2003 as a way to inspire young golfers to improve their games, prepare for the future, and develop themselves as human beings. It's given to the best Swedish junior girl and boy each year.

Happy Thanksgiving

I wanted to wish everybody a Happy Thanksgiving. This is a time to be thankful for life and what it brings. I am very fortunate to be surrounded by friends and loved ones. I am thankful to be living my dream. Golf has taken me all around the world and introduced me to many wonderful people. The memories have enriched my life and I feel very lucky. Enjoy this holiday weekend.

Proud!!

Good evening everyone.  I must say that when the Steelers lose, it leaves me a little sour.  However, tonight Annika made me so proud, that even a Steelers loss can't wipe the smile off of my face. 

In an effort to support Junior golf, Rolex, and Ginn Reunion Resort, which is hosting the Polo Junior Championship this week, Annika attended the Rolex AJGA Awards Banquet tonight.  It was a lovely evening in which the best juniors in the country were honored for their incredible achievements.  Having Annika as a surprise guest at the dinner seemed to make it that much more special for them....especially when the former little girl from Sweden who used to three putt to avoid giving winner's speeches, captivated a room with an eloquent talk that came from the heart.  She shared some stories with which the juniors could relate, and stressed the importance of working hard and following their dreams.  As the tears welled in my eyes, I couldn't help but take it all in...the proud parents, the wide-eyed kids, and the standing ovation for one of the game's greats sharing her passion for life.  It was a touching scene that I was proud to witness! 

   

Congratulations Lorena

The LPGA season is officially over and I would like to congratulate Lorena on a fantastic season. She has played some tremendous golf this year. I think she has blossomed as a player and a person. She is a great ambassador for the game and I am glad to see her win the ADT playoffs today.                                                                        Viva Lorena!!

Reflect

It's Friday evening and it has been several hours since I left Trump International Golf Club. I have had some time to reflect on today's round and playoff. I am very disappointed that I didn't make the weekend. I feel like my game is finally coming around and I was looking forward to a good tournament. This event is a hightlight of the year and I have so many fun memories from the previous years. Oh well, I just have to practice harder and get ready for the next one...

Round 1 ADT

Hi,

I am back at the hotel after a tough day at the office. The first round of ADT is over and I have some work to do tomorrow. Today was a roller coaster day - a few birdies and to many bogies. This course is challenging and it's easy for a few shots to slip away. However, I feel like I am playing well, so I am ready to go low in round 2. It's time to go to the gym and  get some of the frustration out.

View from outside the ropes...

Greetings....My name is Mike McGee and as a member of Annika's team, I will be checking in from time to time.  As always, I enjoyed watching Annika play today.  It's inspiring to see her in action and the positive impact she has on her fans. I noticed lots of shirts in her gallery from the ANNIKA Collection and even saw a couple ANNIKA Academy hats!  I felt for her as it was one of those days where things don't quite go as planned.  She hit some great shots and putted well, but also put three in the water (saving bogey each time).  Tomorrow is another day...that's the beauty of this crazy game!