Annika Sorenstam – the most dominant player in the history of women’s golf – has many ties to our state. Perhaps most notably, on March 16, 2001 at Phoenix’s Moon Valley C.C., she became the first (and to date only) LPGA player to shoot 59 in competition.
The former Arizona Wildcat stepped away from the tour while at the top of her game in 2008. Since then, she hasn’t looked back, turning her attention to raising two young children and a diverse array of projects, including her ANNIKA Academy.
The ANNIKA Academy is a state-of-the-art, boutique golf instruction and fitness facility at Orlando’s renowned Reunion Resort, it opened in 2007 as a platform to share Annika’s passion for golf and fitness.
The Academy offers an exceptional opportunity to learn from the same teachers who coached Annika during her storied career. For example, lead instructor Henri Reis has been her golf coach since 1987. He played an integral role in honing the eminently repeatable swing Annika employed en route to 10 major championships and eight Rolex Player of the Year awards.
Annika’s personal trainer, Kai Fusser, is also intimately involved, teaching proven cardio and core-strengthening exercises designed to translate to more power on the course. This heavy emphasis on fitness, conditioning and nutrition is a significant differentiator from competitors and, when combined with tried and true swing techniques, allows players of any age, gender and skill level to reach their potential.
“The ANNIKA Academy presents a one-of-a-kind opportunity for golfers to learn the game from the teachers who were so dedicated and influential during my career,” says Annika, winner of 72 LPGA events during her legendary career. “The attention we give to all aspects of the swing, along with club fitting and fitness, provides a truly unique, holistic approach to instruction.”
One of only 15 certified Callaway Performance Centers in the country, the Academy offers a diverse menu of custom-tailored corporate packages, individualized golf instruction, personalized fitness programs, club fitting and even opportunities to play with Annika.
New to the roster in 2012 is the ‘Player’s Package.’ The program includes three hours of instruction on three consecutive days; 54 holes of golf; and full-service breakfast daily. Groups are limited to no more than eight guests, fostering an intimate guest-to-instructor ratio and environment conducive to learning. Prices start at $1,900 per person.
Seeking advice straight from the Hall-of-Famer herself? The ‘Platinum,’ ‘Major Championship’ and ‘Soren-Slam’ packages offer chances to spend serious quality time with Annika, including lunch and autograph sessions, personalized instructional clinics and even nine holes of golf.
Can’t make the trip east to learn from the 10-time major champion in person? The Academy offers a lesson app in iPhone, iPad and Android versions.
Filmed in HD video and sound, the app features full-swing, short-game, putting, course strategy and fitness tips from Annika and the rest of the Academy team.
The free platform offers five videos from expert academy instructors, and the paid option costs $4.99 and features 59 lessons. This number honors Annika’s achievement at Moon Valley C.C.
“Whether you’re having trouble with your grip, or losing distance on your driver our app can provide you with tips to improve,” says Annika. “No matter your skill level, our app will help you to get the most out of your game.”
The easy-to-navigate format ensures Academy swing coaches are only a few clicks away. To download, visit: www.theannikaacademy.com/app/.
Interactive online lessons are also available. For $59 per swing analysis, instructors will use state-of-the-art V1 Pro software to break down video of a player’s swing and suggest drills to accelerate progress. A $499 annual membership option includes side-by-side comparisons with Annika’s technically sound swing.
Customized corporate experiences – built around golf instruction from the Academy’s acclaimed staff and team building, strategy and goal setting sessions with Annika – are also available. To promote even greater flexibility, they can be scheduled either at the Academy’s Reunion Resort home or taken on the road to another golf facility.
“Our proven winning strategies in golf can be applied directly to business,” says Annika. “Our Academy provides a perfect platform to strengthen client relationships as well as team bonding and we’re eager to share tactics that will help your organization reach its full potential.”
To Learn More
The ANNIKA Academy, 888.266.4522, www.theannikaacademy.com.
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