Sorenstam opens "Annika Academy" golf school at Ginn Reunion Resort
LPGA Tour star Annika Sorenstam opened her first "Annika Academy" golf school yesterday at the Ginn Reunion Resort just outside Orlando, Fla.
The 5,400-square-foot teaching facility is modeled after the golf and fitness programs that have led her to 10 majors and more than 80 victories across the globe.
"Our goal is to inspire our guests," she said in a press release. "I will get a chance to share my passion for golf and for fitness with all golfers, of all ages, of all skill levels, all around the world."
The day included a tour of the facility by the world No. 1 ranked woman golfer. Sorenstam also gave a clinic to children from the Make-A-Wish Foundation and rocker Darius Rucker, lead singer of Hootie & the Blowfish.
The opening comes at a time when Sorenstam's playing career is on hold. Sorenstam pulled out of last week's LPGA Tour event, the Ginn Open, with a herniated disk in her back. It is the first major injury of Sorenstam's career and will keep her off the golf course for at least a month.
Mark Steinberg, Sorenstam's agent, said doctors told Sorenstam surgery is probably unnecessary, and that she'll have a better idea of when she can return to the LPGA Tour after about two weeks of rehabilitation.
The injury didn't stop Sorenstam from making a strong appearance yesterday
"Nothing stops me, and that's the problem," she said. "I'm just go, go, go. I need somebody to tell me to stop. And here I am."
Sorenstam said she will visit the academy at least 12 times a year, including five times as part of the "Soren-Slam Package," which includes a round of golf with her. The three-day program costs $12,000 and is already sold out.
The "Annika Academy" has a driving range, putting green and short-game area. It also boasts a fitness room with free weights and state-of-the-art cardio machines and two large hitting booths with video analysis and Callaway Golf club fitting.
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RM wrote on: Feb 12, 2011
My daughter and I struggle to find time to play and when we do...we then deal with how much it costs to play....Its More »
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Susan Willett wrote on: Nov 23, 2008
I am writing with the hopes that someone can help me. My sister'n'law has cancer. She may only have a couple more years More »
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susan smith wrote on: Jul 16, 2008
Saw a training tip on alignment from Annika.. I am 63 years old, new at the game of golf..7th hole.. over 400yards..par More »
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Ray Mitchell wrote on: May 30, 2008
I have tried to book or find out how to buy my lady a time at your resort, with a package with Annica.
HELP
Ray
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JAI LORENS wrote on: Apr 18, 2008
WANT TO SEND ANNIKA CONGRATULATIONS ON OPENING HER GOLF ACADEMY. ALSO WANT TO TRAIN AT THE ACADEMY! E-ADDRESS GIVEN ON More »
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Diana Thompson wrote on: Mar 23, 2008
Am trying to find information on Annikas short game school that was advertised on TV
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Duane Ball wrote on: Feb 16, 2008
Annika;
I was trying to leave a positive message on your website, linked to the LPGA site. However after filling out the More »
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sandra B. Johnson wrote on: Jan 27, 2008
Just browsing through and wanted to wish you all the success and wins in the 2008 year. May you be blessed with many More »
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Sam wrote on: Apr 18, 2007
It Good to give back to the game that gave you so much
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Willie Townsend wrote on: Sep 29, 2008
I am excited to hear that you are opening a golf school instead of leaving golf all together. My name is Willie More »
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