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Happy Holidays!

It is Christmas day and I would like to wish all of you a Happy Holiday season. It is so nice to be home in Orlando and to have a chance to relax and just hang out.  I am celebrating this special time with Mike, my parents and sister Lotta. Since I am a person of two cultures, we are mixing “Swedish Jul” with American Christmas traditions. It all started yesterday on the 24th and will continue until tomorrow. My Mom is doing most of the cooking, but I am hosting the dinners and assisting her with the small details.

We opened our presents last night and I was lucky to get some really cool gifts such as personal spa treatments, new dining plates, gift cards, blouses, a purse, “Uggs” (for snowy Tahoe) and a new game for WII called rock band. We are not too into video games, but this is a fun one to try with a group.  It is like a karaoke machine with guitars and drums, which makes for lots of laughs.  I have a feeling I shall stick to the golf business!! 

This is the special time of year for us to be thankful and cherish the time with our families and loved ones. I would like to thank all of you for your support….and also those in the military who cannot be with their families.  May your holiday be filled with joy! 

Annika Appointed As One Of Golf's International Ambassadors

Below is the press release regarding the appointment.  You can read a very interesting Q & A session with Annika and Jack here regarding the goals of the IGF in this regard.

Annika Sorenstam and Jack Nicklaus have been appointed as global ambassadors by the International Golf Federation (IGF) to help the sport win a place in the Olympic Games.

Golf is one of seven sports campaigning for two spots on the program starting from the 2016 Olympics.

American Nicklaus and Swede Sorenstam, arguably the greatest male and female golfers of all time, will represent their sport at select international events, the IGF said on Thursday.

They will also support the IGF's Olympic Golf Committee, which is spearheading the bid.

"Golf truly embodies the Olympic spirit with a foundation built upon honour, integrity, dignity and sportsmanship.  I believe with its inclusion, golf can strengthen the Olympic movement throughout the world.  I'm pleased to lend my support to the cause," Nicklaus, 68, said in a statement.

Sorenstam, who ended her glittering playing career at the Dubai Ladies Masters earlier this month, said: "It is an honour and privilege to take an active role in assisting golf's bid to become an Olympic sport.
Now, as I step aside from competitive golf, a major objective of mine is to help grow the game around the world and I cna htink of no better way to grow it than through the Olympics."

Sorenstam, 38, is a 10 times major champion who has won 89 titles worldwide.

Golf is competing with karate, squash, rugby, roller sports, baseball and softball for Olympic status.

The International Olympic Committee will vote on the existing 26 sports on the programme and the inclusion of two more at its session in Copenhagen next October.

Annika's Commencement Speech (University Of Arizona 12-20-08)

Thank you. What an introduction. I am very flattered.  After that, I can hardly wait to hear what I have to say.

Mr. President, faculty, staff, graduates, family and friends,

I am honored and proud to be the commencement speaker for the Class of ’08. But before we go any further let’s get one thing straight. My task today is to speak and your task is to listen. If you are finished with your task before I finished with mine, please raise your hands.

Dear Wildcats, congratulations on your graduation. What a wonderful achievement. Today is a special day and the beginning of your future. We are here to celebrate your accomplishments. It needs to be recognized that the last few years you have studied, focused and committed yourself to getting an education and degree. Statistics state that many of you will stay in your field of expertise and some of you will try new interests. Only time will tell and life is funny that way as it takes us for different rides with different people to different places.

I am an older Wildcat. I attended U of A during 1990 – 92. Wow, have things changed! When I was here Michael Bolton was at the top of the hit lists. Gasoline was less than a $1; the Dow Jones Industrial Average had just crossed 3,000 for the first time.  Terminator Two and Robin Hood were the top movies. George Bush Senior was the President and we were in the midst of the Gulf War. The “World Wide Web” was just being introduced.  Tiger Woods won his first USGA title at the age of 15.  Here at school Lute Olson was the man and our football team’s defense was called the “Desert Swarm.”......

(continue reading Annika's commencement speech after the photo album)

All pictures courtesy of Doug Wyland.

The Series Continues

with the final installment of the LPGA Skins game video.

Annika To Give Commencement Address At University Of Arizona

University of Arizona Alumna and Hall of Fame golfer Annika Sorenstam will be the Commencement Speaker at the University of Arizona’s graduation tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 20, at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz.

Sorenstam attended the University of Arizona as an undergraduate student during the fall of 1990.  While at the University, she was a member of the UA Women’s golf team.

Annika Sorenstam is the most dominant player in women’s golf.  Throughout her storied career, she has rewritten the LPGA and Ladies European Tour record books, won countless awards and events, and brought unprecedented attention to women’s golf.  A dominant force who has already captured a Career Grand Slam and become the all-time LPGA money leader, Sorenstam’s last official event was this month at the Dubai Ladies Masters.

Annika has stepped away from competitive golf to focus on the expansion of the ANNIKA brand of businesses. As part of a continuing legacy, the ANNIKA Academy™ opened in Orlando, FL as a way for her to share her passion for golf and fitness, along with her own personal coaches. She has a thriving Golf Course Design business that has six projects under contract around the world. She plays host to a Ladies European Tour tournament in Sweden, The Scandinavian TPC, Hosted by ANNIKA. She has partnered with Cutter & Buck to develop the ANNIKA Collection, which is easily their best selling female line and Gogie Girl for a Signature line of headwear made specifically by women for women. Annika has also expanded her lifestyle brand by partnering with SA Fragrances on an ANNIKA Fragrance that will be released next May, along with an ANNIKA wine label in partnership with Wente Vineyards.

Annika also feels very strongly about giving back, and in 2007, the ANNIKA Foundation was created to provide educational and financial resources to help children of all backgrounds realize their full potential. The Foundation will create and partner with programs that teach the importance of living a healthy active lifestyle through nutrition and physical fitness, and offer experiences and opportunities that enable aspiring junior golfers to pursue their dreams.

Another Video Present Under The Tree...

Here is part two from the LPGA Skins Game. Check out the bonus commentary from the completely unbiased sports commentator!

Twas The Week Before Christmas...

...and we have videos. This is part one of the LPGA Skins Game....the next part will be up on Wednesday and the third part on Friday.

A Quick Hello.....

 We have just arrived in Orlando after a long couple days.  I gave it my all and played pretty well yesterday, but it just didn't happen.  It was still very touching to see the players gathered around 18 to watch my last hole, which I was happy to birdie!  Later in the evening, our families had a nice toast on the beach and then a tour of the Burj hotel that looks like a sail....video to come.  It was a fabulous trip, but it is SOOO GREAT to be home. It was a long and uneventful flight, though none of our luggage made it…the beauty of travel. The kitties were very happy to see us and we were welcomed by a nice Christmas tree. Thank you to my assistant Kristin and her husband Travis!!  We will only be home for a few days as we are flying to Tucson for my commencement speech and a C&B photo shoot this weekend.  We've been up for well over 24 hours now, so good night.

Dubai Ladies Masters - Day Four

The final round of the Dubai Ladies Masters finds Annika at 5 under and four back, tied for sixth place. You can follow tournament action here and, as always, discuss the tournament in the comments section.  In addition, the Golf Channel is televising taped coverage from 6:30pm - 8:30pm EST each night.  Keep in mind they are showing the previous day's action due to the time difference. GO ANNIKA!!

And, if you'd like to reflect on Annika's past accomplishments, check out our commemorative page. 

Finally, we have new photos from Dubai that have been added to the previous photo gallery!

One more....

 Hello.  Today was not quite what I had in mind.  I didn't hit the ball nearly as well and none of my putts found the hole.  All in all, it was very annoying and I found myself falling down the leaderboard.  The good thing is that I am only four shots back and I know I am capable of making a charge on this course....I just have to do it!

We had a nice dinner this evening with our parents, Lotta, Terry, and Rob Alter from IMG London.  Mike jokingly called it the "Last Supper." The food was magnificent and we had lots of laughs.  The game of golf has given us all so much and without it, none of us would have been at that table tonight.  We shared some old stories of the road as well as our mutual appreciation for each other.  Regardless of what happens tomorrow, I will give it my all.  It has been a storybook 15 years and I am not about to shut the book without finishing the last chapter!!  Cross your fingers one last time!  Goodnight and thanks for everything!