Press Room
THE WORLD-CLASS ANNIKA ACADEMY GOES “ON THE ROAD” TO THE RITZ-CARLTON DESTINATION CLUB LOCATIONS IN CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA AND HAWAII
ORLANDO, Fla. - April 20, 2010 – This year, The ANNIKA Academy will take their team “on the road” to variousRitz-Carlton Destination Club properties where guests will have the unique opportunity for individualized golf lessons as well as customized fitness and nutritional programs through the instruction of Annika’s personal team of coaches. These simple techniques will inspire players of all skill levels to reach their full potential on the golf course. Academy packages will take place at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club & Spa in Jupiter, Fla. on May 26-28, 2010 and Sept. 28-30, 2010; The Ritz-Carlton Club, Lake Tahoe, in Calif. on July 27-29, 2010; and The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences in Kapalua Bay, Maui, Hawaii on Aug. 2-4, 2010 and Aug. 5-7, 2010.
Led by Annika’s one and only golf instructor, Henri Reis, and fitness instructor, Kai Fusser, the ANNIKA Academy models its teachings after Reis and Fusser’s collaboration to mold Annika into such a dominant golfer. Reis combines his ability to translate the complexities of the golf swing into simple fundamental instruction and mold a golfer’s mind with Fusser’s proven ability to target physical training that directly translates into a more powerful, efficient golfer. It’s the perfect storm of mind, body and technique. Annika’s sister, Charlotta Sorenstam, an accomplished LPGA and amateur player in her own right, will bring a wealth of knowledge to round out the world-class team at the Academy.
“My goal for the Academy has always been to share my passion for golf, fitness and nutrition, along with my personal coaches,” said Annika. “With my new relationship with The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, I thought it fitting that we bring the Academy to guests in these incredible settings.”
“It is our pleasure to offer this unique golf experience at our Clubs through the ANNIKA Academy,” said Peter J. Watzka, executive vice president and chief operating officer for The Ritz-Carlton Development Company, Inc. (an affiliate of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC). “With both legendary organizations committed to bring exclusive opportunities to our Members, it is our privilege to create these extraordinary, one-of-a-kind events.”
The ANNIKA Academy at The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club locations will be an all-encompassing, “boutique-style” teaching academy modeled after the process used to make Annika Sorenstam into the record-breaking force she was on the LPGA Tour for 15 years. The ANNIKA Academy will offer three packages, all of which limit class size to eight guests to ensure as much individual attention as possible.
Platinum PackageAvailable May 26-28 in Jupiter and Aug. 2-4 in Kapalua Bay
- Four (4) night’s accommodations in a two-bedroom residence at an
exclusive Ritz-Carlton Destination Club (optional) - Private events with Annika include a lunch, evening wine reception and photo/autograph session
- 27 holes of golf, green fees and carts included
- Three (3) days of golf instruction with Henri Reis and Charlotta Sorenstam
- Covers putting, chipping, bunker and full swing
- Course management overview on the course with Charlotta Sorenstam
- Fitness with Kai Fusser focusing on strength potential and enhancing your swing
- Individual nutritional consultations with Kai Fusser
Major Championship Package
Available July 27-29 in Lake Tahoe and Sept. 28-30 in Jupiter
- Four (4) night’s accommodations in a two-bedroom residence at an
exclusive Ritz-Carlton Destination Club (optional) - Private golf clinic by Annika
- Other private events with Annika include lunch, evening wine reception and photo/autograph session
- 18 holes of golf, green fees and carts included
- Three (3) days of golf instruction with Henri Reis and Charlotta Sorenstam
- Covers putting, chipping, bunker and full swing
- Course management overview on the course with Charlotta Sorenstam
- Fitness with Kai Fusser focusing on strength potential and enhancing your swing
- Individual nutritional consultations with Kai Fusser
Soren-Slam Package
Available Aug. 5-7 in Kapalua Bay
- Four (4) night’s accommodations in a two-bedroom residence at an
exclusive Ritz-Carlton Destination Club (optional) - Nine (9) holes of golf with Annika
- Other private events with Annika include a lunch, evening wine reception and photo/autograph session
- 27 holes of golf, green fees and carts included
- Three (3) days of golf instruction with Henri Reis and Charlotta Sorenstam
- Covers putting, chipping, bunker and full swing
- Course management overview on the course with Charlotta Sorenstam
- Fitness with Kai Fusser focusing on strength potential and enhancing your swing
- Individual nutritional consultations with Kai Fusser
Each package also includes a full-service breakfast and lunch each day, along with a special gift package.
In March, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, the premier equity-based luxury destination club, announced that Hall of Fame golfer Annika Sorenstam will be an ambassador for the brand. As part of the partnership, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club will feature an “ANNIKA sense of place” with her branded products at all Clubs, and create exclusive Member experiences with Annika. These will include wine tastings, culinary events and of course golf outings.
More information can be found at www.theannikaacademy.com. Packages can be booked through the Academy’s director of sales, Michelle McGee, at 407-385-1244 or michellem@theannikaacademy.com.
About Annika
Annika is the greatest female golfer of our generation and often regarded as the best of all-time. During her 15-year Hall of Fame career, she rewrote the
LPGA and Ladies European Tour record books, won countless awards and changed the way women’s golf was played, viewed, and covered. She amassed 89 worldwide
professional victories, including 72 LPGA wins, ten of which are Major Championships.
Annika stepped away from professional golf after the 2008 season to focus on her family and the ANNIKA brand of businesses, including the ANNIKA Academy, ANNIKA Financial Group, ANNIKA Course Design, the ANNIKA Collection of apparel with Cutter & Buck, signature high-end wines with Wente Vineyards, and an online retail shop, shopannika.com. In 2007, Annika created the ANNIKA Foundation as a way to teach children the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle through fitness and nutrition, and offer aspiring junior golfers opportunities to pursue their dreams. In 2008, Annika joined Arnold Palmer as only the second Ambassador of the United States Golf Association, and in 2009, along with Jack Nicklaus, she was named a Global Ambassador by the International Golf Federation and aided in the successful bid for golf in the 2016 Olympic Games. More information can be found at www.annikasorenstam.com.
About The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Combining innovative membership options for luxury travel around the world with the legendary services of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club offers an inspirational vacation lifestyle tailored to each Member’s needs and expectations. In 2009, on its 10th anniversary, The Club not only underwent a brand evolution, but was also awarded Robb Report’s “Best of the Best” distinction. Additionally, Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Members enjoyed an industry leading 49,000 vacations at Ritz-Carlton Destination Clubs and Ritz-Carlton Hotels worldwide in 2009. For information, please visit www.ritzcarltondestinationclub.com. The Club can also be found on Facebook and Twitter (@RitzCarltonClub).
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