ANNIKA Blog

Happy New Year

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The last day of the year is here and it's a good time to reflect on 2007.  It's been a different year for me. Outside the ropes, my business and personal life have been tremendous.  The ANNIKA brand has come a long way and I am really proud of our team.  My Academy has opened, The ANNIKA Foundation was created, my website and blog have been launched, I hosted two professional tournaments, I am designing two more courses around the world, and the ANNIKA Collection is doing outstanding.  On the personal side, it's also been a very good year….a “Grand Slam” if I may say. I got engage this summer and life is treating me well.

Inside the ropes has been a different story. I was sidelined with an injury which limited my playing schedule. It was tough since I am such a competitor.  However, I feel great now and it was nice to end the year with a victory in Dubai.  I feel great and I am excited about 2008. My motivation is back and I am ready to get back to the top again. This means it’s time to get back to work…both on the course and in the gym!

 I wish all of you “bloggers” a Happy New Year and may all your goals and wishes come true.

 

 

Happy Holidays

Mike and I would like to wish everyone joyous holiday season, along with a happy and healthy 2008!  Thanks for the support you have given us! 

Home sweet home

I back home now after 30 hours of travel. It's fun to be away, but the old saying home sweet home is certainly true for me.

I am thrilled that I ended up with a win at the Dubai Ladies Masters. It was so great to be in contention again.  I had almost forgotten how much I love the feeling of coming down the stretch and battling for the trophy. My adrenalin was flowing and I could feel the butterflies in my stomach. I finally got a win and it was a nice way to end the season. I am excited for 2008, because my motivation is back!!

Lotta checking in

Hello all!

Charlotta checking in for the first time but not the last.

Today here it started to feel like December and Christmas because it was only 40 degrees outside so I was waring 3 layers of jackets but I was still cold. Just last week it was 85 here so it was a big change in just a few days.

Now after a nice lunch I'm warmed up so it's time for me and Henri to go back out and work with our guests on their short game.

Just a short message this time but I will be back soon.

A final note- I'm very proud of Annika for coming back after her injury and winning this weekend in Dubai.

Happy Holidays

Last round....

Today will be my last “competitive” round of the year.  I’ve got a couple sponsor days next week and then it will be time to enjoy friends, family, and the Holidays! 

I’m looking forward to being in the last group today only one shot off the lead.  This is what we practice for, so I’m ready for a fun day! Hopefully, I’ll have some good news to report before we fly back to the states tonight. 

Dubai Desert Experience...

The first round here in Dubai is under my belt and I played pretty well.  I made five birdies, including my last two holes which is always nice.  I just need to eliminate the bogies today and I’ll be happy. 

After the round, Mike, Terry, and I went to a place called Bab Al Shams.  We drove one hour out into the desert and this place is virtually hidden amongst the sand dunes.  It was designed in a traditional Arabic fort setting with an open-air desert restaurant, and a superb range of recreational facilities.  First we relaxed by the pool…for about five minutes…and then we joined the action.  We rode camels (video to come at a later date), Arabian horses, and I even held a Falcon.  Then we had an elaborate feast in the desert oasis with live entertainment, which included “belly dancers.” 

It’s really fun to be able to travel and experience the different cultures around the world!  Well, time to go to the office. 

Dubai...

Hello.  We made it to Dubai early yesterday and it is fabulous.  The modern construction and skyscrapers are breathtaking.  We're staying at the Madinat Jumerirah Mina A'Salam and it is quite simply amazing.  Mike says it's the "coolest" place he's ever been and wants to come back for our honeymoon.  Our room overlooks the ocean, the winding man made river that runs throughout the entire property, and the famous hotel that looks like a giant sail.  There are over 500 suites and villas, 42 restaurants, and plenty of shops, bars, pools, etc.  We've been told that George Clooney and Sharon Stone are here amongst other Hollywood stars for the Dubai Film Festival, but we haven't seen any of them.  It's safe to say that if it wasn't for my golf, we may not leave the property.  Speaking of which, I have to run for the pro-am.  I'll try to include some photos later in the week.  Goodbye for now.

Lexus cup finale...

Despite a valiant effort by our International Team today, we fell short in the third annual Lexus Cup.  I’m proud of our girls for hanging in there.  At one point this afternoon it looked as though we could pull off a miracle, however in the end the deficit was too much to overcome.  I would like to congratulate Se Ri and the Asian team on a well earned victory.  Also, it should be noted that Suzann couldn’t play today due to a hip injury and Se Ri agreed to sit out due to her shoulder injury and halve the point.  I thought that was a classy move on her part!

We have had a very enjoyable week in Western Australia.  The crowds were fantastic and Lexus and IMG put on a wonderful event.  Hopefully, we’ll be able to get the Cup back next year.  I want to thank our entire team, including caddies, and everyone else who made the trip and contributed to some excellent memories....like holding a baby Kangaroo!! 

Lexus Cup day two....

Well we did not quite have the comeback that we envisioned at the start of the day.  However, with tomorrow’s matches being worth 12 points, anything can happen.  We are looking forward to a relaxing evening and a great day tomorrow.  We’re going to have to come out firing with some early birdies.  It’s imperative to get a few points on the board early.  I am really confident in our team and know that we have a comeback in us!! 

Lexus Cup day one....

It was not the best start for the International Team yesterday as we lost all six matches.  Our team was so disappointed by our efforts that we decided to keep the same pairings and order for today.  We had a nice evening last night and ordered Thai takeout in the team room after a Lexus function.  We are excited about today’s opportunity and VERY determined to turn things around!!