Guest Post- Angie Damon

Hey Bloggers,

Many of you may not know me, but my name is Angie Damon and I  attended the Annika Academy almost exactly one year ago.  I had only been on a golf course about seven times in my life but when the offer came my way to attend the academy, I jumped at the chance. 

Intimidated but excited, I jumped right in and fell in love with the game and found many new friends in the staff.  Pam, Christian, Kai, Henri and Charlotta were extremely welcoming and I was learning a lot and having a blast.  On the second day, Annika flew in from Singapore and I was so impressed by how warm and genuine she is and how excited she truly is to "share her passion."

After my visit to the academy, I really did feel like I had some new 'friends for life," so I ran home and shared my experience with my nine year old twins, Maddy and Jacks, and before I knew it,  all three of us began taking lessons with Lotta and we were completely hooked.

Over this past year, Charlotta has done wonders with our golf games and we have spent some time hanging out.  I even managed to get her on one of my horses, "Wasabi" and the tables were turned, she was the student.  It was fun to see her nervousness at first, but as you can imagine, she picked it right up and rode quite well.  We hope to get Annika riding soon!

A few months ago, Charlotta ask me if I would caddy for her in a tournament in Hawaii.  After first thinking she was kidding, I accepted, but again felt a bit intimidated and "out of my comfort zone."  We had an amazing time and it was an incredible experience!  I got a chance to see first hand, what professional golfers like Annika and Charlotta go through.  It is hard work.  They practice 5-6 hours a day, work out in the gym, play 18 holes, hit the driving range, short game area, and putting green.  Not to mention, the radio/newspaper interviews, hosted meet and greets, and hours of endless plane flights.  Their dedication is amazing, and they do it all with grace, style, and a winning smile.

I was honored to be there and want to thank Annika and Mike for an amazing sushi dinner and the tour that Clifford, the cultural advisor, took us on, it was interesting and fun.  I especially  want to thank Lotta, for including me in such a unique opportunity and being such a great friend.  I hope to return the favor someday.

I hope many of you get the chance to attend the academy, meet these wonderful people and share in their passion.

Aloha,
Angie

Comments

[Dee H.]

That's awesome, Angie! Thanks for the real view of the pro's golf day, amazing. I can't imagine a better experience than going to Annika's Academy. I would love to find a way to get there.

[Annika]

Angie,

It's been great to get to know you and your kids. We consider you a friend for life. Thanks for sharing your story.

[Golf54deciple]

Angie,
It is awesome to hear what incredible life you and the twins are getting with each visit to the ANNIKA Academy!!

First-class people in a first-class, enduring organization.

We can only imagine what incredible men your sons are becoming!!

Hip, hip hurrah!! to twins!!!

[Christian T.]

Angie D was an awesome guest here at the Academy. Her twins are some of the coolest kids that I've ever met as well. It's been nice getting to know you all.

I think it took a lot of guts to go and caddy in an LPGA event! I've been playing golf for 25 years and have caddied on the Canadian Tour and at PGA Tour Q-School, and I still think I would have been very nervous. Pretty impressive Angie D.

[Annika the Cat]

Hi Angie,

Thanks for sharing your adventures with the Sorenstam sisters. They certainly have great energy along with Mike and The ANNIKA Academy team.

I am a bit of a copy cat so I am reinforcing your experiences at the Academy. There are a few bloggers who are planning on attending. They too will have a one of a kind experience – Sharing Annika’s Passion!

Hope to meet you one day!

AtC

[Mary E.]

What a chance of a lifetime to be asked to caddy for a professional golfer! I'm sure Charlotta was gracious and fun to spend the day with and that Angie learned a lot that day. Kudos to all of you! That's what makes golf such a great sport - it's not always the winning that counts; it's the friendships that thrive from it.