Hello,
It is time to check in again.
Last time I blogged I was Annika Sorenstam, now I am Mrs. Mike McGee. Both Mike and I are still on cloud nine as our wedding was a wonderful experience and a celebration of love with family and friends.
We are back to work and this week is special. The inaugural ANNIKA Invitational is upon us. This is a junior event that my Foundation has created together with the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) and includes the top 60 female U.S. and International junior golfers. The tournament will provide the opportunity for the players to compete against world class competition. In addition, participants will experience the “off-course” elements of playing collegiate and professional golf such as media training and the importance of health and nutrition. A portion of the proceeds from the event will support the AJGA's ACE Grant Program which provides top-flight golf opportunities to young golfers regardless of financial resources. I am proud to say that this event will not only feature tough competition, and a fine venue in the Independence Course at Reunion, but also the Callaway Junior Am tomorrow, a clinic I will do that is presented by Rolex, and the opportunity to meet our team by using the Academy.
On another note, I would like to extend a special thanks to Selena Nobilo for all of her help with both our wedding and this tournament….not to mention her participation as a bridesmaid!
Also, I would like to congratulate a previous ANNIKA scholarship winner Anna Nordqvist on her triumph at the LET qualifying school.
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Once again we smile greatly at just the thought of you & Mike, Mike & You. Great team in every way.
Your seeds sown in the lives of young golfer and the life-changing year that Anna Nordquist is sure to have "no matter the score" is JUST what golf needs.
The philosophies you have believed and proven now being shared with as many as possible through AJGA and the ANNIKA Academy will serve all of us well. Looking forward to my time this year to touch down at the Academy.
Mike also gave a "shout out" to Selena Nabilo for the dedication and care to detail she gave to MAKE SURE your wedding weekend would never be forgotten. I would think the whole experience must have been great fun for her.
Hmmm . . . . wonder if she wouldn't mind blogging a bit . . . just wondering!
Bottom line is when events like this happen, it boils down to:
the right people, at the right time, with the right message = PURPOSE.
Best to you Mrs. Mike McGee!!
Posted by: Golf54deciple | January 16, 2009 at 05:32 AM
Hi Annika,
Yes, and last week I blogged on as Annika Sorenstam’s fan and this week it’s now Mrs. Mike McGee’s fan! Once again, all the best to you both! Those beautiful pictures say it all. And I read a comment Mr. McGee said about the dancing scenes at the reception could have been a take from Mama Mia. ☺
Selena has replaced Terry and is now your life caddie. I bet she can baby sit too!
I so wanted to make it to Reunion this weekend to watch the Juniors in action. But that four-letter word – work - got in the way. I am sure a good time will be had by all. Congratulations Anna! Her victory is a testament to what will be more to come through your efforts outside the ropes.
The ANNIKA Academy, Director of Operations, has informed me that there is new Academy Wear on the racks. So I look forward to my visit next week!
Go Mrs. McGee!!!
AtC
Posted by: Annika the Cat | January 16, 2009 at 05:56 AM
Mrs. Mike McGee,
Congratulations on hosting the ANNIKA Ivitational! As a teacher/coach I understand the importance of giving our young people the opportunity to grow and succeed. Thank you for sharing yor passion and giving so much of your self to help others. I can't think of a better role model than you- Enjoy the week!
We are so looking forward to our trip the the Academy next month!
BK
Posted by: B. K. | January 16, 2009 at 06:05 AM
Hi, Mrs M.
Your energy amazes me, but no more so than your desire to use it for all the right purposes. What a tremendous role model you are.
Congratulations.
Posted by: Buzz | January 16, 2009 at 07:43 AM
BK,
Will this be your first trip to the Academy?
Have to think that many of us will eventually be like AtC--returning on SEVERAL occassions!!
Posted by: Golf54deciple | January 16, 2009 at 08:33 AM
G54d
Yes, this will be our first trip to the Academy and actually my first trip to Florida.
We are looking at perhaps buying a condo in the Tampa area, so hopefully we will be able to make going to the ANNIKA Academy an annual event.
BK
Posted by: B. K. | January 16, 2009 at 09:38 AM
BK,
Awesome!! Enjoy! My twin Sis lives in Tampa and she'll be meeting at The Academy when our time comes to visit.
Love visiting Tampa area enjoy your visit there!
Posted by: Golf54deciple | January 16, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Hi B.K,
This is Michelle McGee from the ANNIKA Academy. I am excited to hear you will be visiting the Academy next month! Because I can only see your initials on the blog, I wanted to reach out to you to find out your name and when you will be coming, so I can be sure to personally say hello to you. I look forward to hearing from you!
Regards,
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | January 16, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Michelle,
My name is Dianne and my husband, Bruce Kampman made the arrangments with you some time in December. We are scheduled to have lessons with Charlotta on Monday, February 16. We are looking forward to meeting you as well. I think Bruce will be in touch with you soon as he has a couple of questions.
Thanks,
BK
p.s. Bruce said enjoyed talking with you and stated that you were very profesional and also very enthusiastic!
Posted by: B. K. | January 16, 2009 at 12:31 PM
Premier, or Premiere(s). The tournament sounds firm ground of Foundation/Academy enterprise and the kind of exceptional opportunity, that brings real advantage/production in the world. A bit difficult with the weather it seems, but with all the education involved, golf's adversity management should still provide. All the best.
Posted by: Lowell | January 16, 2009 at 01:53 PM
G54D, BK & DK,
So glad to read that there are ANNIKA Academy trips in the making. Annika has really created a one of a kind experience. The entire Academy Team focuses on their guests in such a comprehensive way. And all that’s left for us to do is focus on our golf game!
AtC
Posted by: Annika the Cat | January 16, 2009 at 06:27 PM
AtC,
Boy aren't we the fortunate ones? And the numbers will keep growing!
This year will go with my Sis, next year with my brother?? Who knows!!
Posted by: Golf54deciple | January 17, 2009 at 03:30 AM
With all these newbies at the Annika Academy, Mrs. McGee is going to be very busy. I hope you all enjoy your experience as much as Helen enjoyed hers.Not only will you learn a lot, but you will become part of the Annika family for life!
Posted by: Howard & Helen | January 17, 2009 at 08:57 AM
My hope is to perhaps have our paths cross at The Academy.
I'll be leaving my contact info with Michelle should it be needed.
Posted by: Golf54deciple | January 17, 2009 at 09:24 AM
Annika,
The Annika Invitational looks like such a great event for junior golfers and shows all of us your dedication to the growing the game. You can see the adoration/respect these young players have on their faces for you. Keep up the good works!
Posted by: Mary E. | January 17, 2009 at 07:53 PM
I'm really going to miss you playing.
Donna :)
Posted by: Donna | January 18, 2009 at 07:56 PM