The Making of Our Academy

This month marks the five year anniversary of the ANNIKA Academy. Looking back, it feels like just a short time ago that I was playing the LPGA and was just beginning to think of life after my golf career. Here’s how the ANNIKA Academy came to be…

In 2004, I was at the height of my career, enjoying competing around the globe and pushing myself to remain the best female golfer in the world. But in spite of that, I always knew that one day my playing career would come to an end and I would still want to be involved in the game of golf in some way. Henri and Kai, my longtime coaches, and I began brainstorming ways in which we could continue to work together, sharing our passion and knowledge for golf and fitness.

In 2005 we met with a business associate of mine and explained the idea of the ANNIKA Academy, a place for people to come and learn our holistic approach to the game of golf. We decided on Orlando because this was my home and also the perfect destination because of the amazing weather, and the large number of people who visit “the city beautiful” year round. Shortly after that meeting, our project was underway! The beautiful Reunion Resort in particular was the perfect setting with its three signature courses, luxurious accommodations, and countless amenities that guests can enjoy. The next few years were filled with meetings with architects, contractors, and designers. It was so exciting to see the dream come to life. I spent hours with contractors making sure that what was built would be exactly what Henri, Kai and I visualized. In the fall of 2006, the first shovel hit the ground and the ANNIKA Academy was on its way to becoming what it is today.

We quietly opened our doors in the spring of 2007 running a few test packages for guests. They were very popular and extremely well received by all… that’s when we knew we had something special. The summer of 2007 is when we really locked down our golf package structure and kicked off our first full packages that fall with a sweepstakes, and items donated by my longtime sponsors.

We launched in October of 2007 with the “Share My Passion” Sweepstakes. All of my incredible partners came together for a world-class offering and since that time we have had hundreds of guests come through our doors at the ANNIKA Academy in Orlando, and attend our packages around the world. With each guest we get to share our passion for golf and fitness, and our winning approach that helped me reach the top. Every day we get to accomplish what Henri, Kai and I dreamed of doing back in 2004. We have, and will continue to keep our Academy promise…

We will share Annika’s passion for golf, fitness, and nutrition.

We will present a one-of-a-kind experience.

We will inspire each guest to reach their full potential.

We welcome our guests as our friends for life.

The ANNIKA Academy

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