Checking in...

Greetings everyone.

It's been a while since I've written, but all is well here. I've been working hard in the gym and on the range and I look forward to my first tournament, which is only two weeks away!

Mike and I went on a little road-trip this past weekend and made some fun memories.  On Saturday, we went to the Naples Winter Wine Festival with some friends.  We tasted lots of fabulous wines and watched in amazement as they were able to raise over $14 Million for children's charities in one day.  Then on Sunday night we went to Tampa for Derek Jeter's Charity Pro-Am Draw Party. We met up with Kristin, my assistant and her husband Travis and had a lovely evening.   Then we played the tournament on Monday for his Foundation, which helps the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse amongst teenagers.  Derek is a great person and we had fun meeting the celebrities in attendance.   We even hit the dance floor with them on Monday night!

Today, I spent most of the day at the Academy with our guests. Tomorrow, I am pleased to say that I will grant my first wish for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  I've met with some kids before, but never played an actual round.  Molly Escordi of GrosseIle, Michigan is an avid golfer who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  She is 14 years old and plays on the high school golf team.  It’s pretty amazing to think that her one wish was to play golf with me. I look forward to an inspiring day.  Hopefully, she will accept our offer to blog about her experience.

Well that’s all for now.

Comments

[B. K.]

Annika,

I just want to thank you for being such a GREAT ROLE MODEL and for sharing your passion! I have been a teacher and coach for over 30 years and I find that there are so few good role models in sports today. I had the opportunity to meet you and watch you play a practice round at the '05 U.S. Womens Open. You were gracious and showed such class- as you always do! Thank you again and good luck to you always.
Best wishes to you and Mike.

[Golf54deciple]

Annika,
So glad to here from you and yes WE TOO are sooo excited for the LPGA to get started in two weeks!! Yahoo!!

But your meeting and choosing Molly as a Make-A-Wish recipent, made me tear up.

May you have a glorious friendship with her and the others to come. Wow!! Can a person "train" for the emotions and joy that comes from those special relationships?

Hmmmm . . . .

[Annika the Cat]

Hi Annika,

I hope Molly went easy on you today! I'm sure she had a day she will remember forever! You speak often of wanting to give back - It certainly is working. Good Job!

[Mary E.]

Hi Annika,

How gracious of you to spend a day playing golf with Molly - what a thrill for her and I'm sure an experience she will cherish always. Your willingness to give back is inspiring. Keep up the good works!

[Peg]

I liked you giving Molly's wish! How did it go?

Your first event SBS OPEN at Turtle Bay. I watched the Senior's at the same Palmer course. The first day was fine and the next 2 days it blew a gail. Scores went up to say least. I seen you play in windy conditions and the conditions will be everyone. I am sure will play good.

Your going play first 3 events on LPGA schedule. I hope you get off to great start. I will be cheering you on!!!!!

[Golf54deciple]

Annika,
Just visited lpga.com and there's an article about your day with Molly & family.

Glad it went well!! Great memories for everyone right :-)

[Brandy]

Thanks for not making us wait until March to watch you start the season! I can't remember the last time I paid attention to the first few tournaments of the season, so this is a real treat! Good Luck!

[Connie]

So glad you are starting your season soon. Now that football is over--let the golfing begin! We will be cheering for you with all our might.Play well Annika. Best wishes, Connie

[Peg]

I suggest you fix (REAL TIME ANNIKA - Minute By Minute)
Regards,
Peg

[Annika]

Peg, Thanks for your comment. Will fix right away.

[Annika]

Brandy, I am happy to start here in Hawaii. It's been awhile since I played here - will be fun.

[Annika]

Thanks Connie - I appreciate your support. Keep your fingers crossed for this year.

[Annika]

Golf54deciple - I am thankful for your support and commitment. You do a good job on the blog!!

[Annika]

Mary E, the day with Molly went very well. I had a chance to make a dream come true and it was so special. I feel lucky and I am honored that Molly wanted to spend her wish with me.

[Annika]

B.K. - thanks for your kind words. Very nice of you to blog and share your thoughts.

[Annika]

Annika the cat - thanks for being such a true supporter and a regular blogger. I like your commitment and dedication.

[Robb Peterson]

Aloha Annika,
You are an awesome athlete AND a magnificent human being. My fondest wish is to one day meet you and tell you personally how much I appreciate YOU. Jag alskar dig, gorgeous. Keep striving for excellence and may 2008 be the ultimate year for you on the tour.
Aloha pumehana
Robb Peterson
Honolulu

[Robb Peterson]

Aloha Annika,
You are an awesome athlete AND a magnificent human being. My fondest wish is to one day meet you and tell you personally how much I appreciate YOU. Jag alskar dig, gorgeous. Keep striving for excellence and may 2008 be the ultimate year for you on the tour.
Aloha pumehana
Robb Peterson
Honolulu

[Jim Farley]

Annika i just read that you won your 70th tour
victory, and wanted to congradulate you. I
will be in Minnesota for the US Open in June
hope to see you in person ( can't wait} good
luck for the comming season. Your friend and
fan Jim.