Annika Sorenstam Hits The Road With The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club

By: Destination Club News
Date: April 30, 2010

Late last month, the Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and Annika Sorenstam announced a partnership that made the Hall of Fame golfer an ambassador for the brand.

"I am honored to represent The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club brand, which is the most prestigious Destination Club in the world," said Sorenstam when the alliance was announced. "There is a lot of symmetry between the lifestyle The Ritz-Carlton affords their Members and the products and services my brand represents. Together we will provide inspirational Member experiences."

The inspirational Member experiences begins with Sorenstam hitting the road to visit select Ritz-Carlton Destination Club properties, starting next month with a stop at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club & Spa in Jupiter, Florida. During the events, guests will have the "opportunity for individualized golf lessons as well as customized fitness and nutritional programs through the instruction of Annika’s personal team of coaches."

The dates and locations for the planned events include:

  • The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club & Spa in Jupiter, Florida: May 26-28, 2010
  • The Ritz-Carlton Club in Tahoe, California: July 27-29, 2010
  • The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences in Kapalua Bay, Maui, Hawaii: August 2-4, 2010
  • The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences in Kapalua Bay, Maui, Hawaii: August 5-7, 2010
  • The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club & Spa in Jupiter, Florida: September 28-30, 2010

"My goal for the Academy has always been to share my passion for golf, fitness and nutrition, along with my personal coaches," said Sorenstam. "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."

Described as a "boutique-style teaching academy," three different packages will be available, each limited to eight guests to maximize individual attention, and include Annika's golf instructor Henri Reis, fitness instructor Kai Fusser, and Annika's sister, Charlotta Sorenstam.

  • Platinum Package
    • Available May 26-28 and August 2-4
    • Optional four night stay in two-bedroom residence at Ritz-Carlton Destination Club
    • Lunch, wine reception, and photo/autograph session with Annika
    • 27 holes of golf, with green fees and carts included
    • Three days of instruction with Henri Reis and Charlotta Sorenstam
    • Putting, chipping, bunker play, and full swing
    • Course management overview with Charlotta Sorenstam
    • Strength potential, swing enhancement, and nutrition with Kai Fusser
  • Major Championship Package
    • Available July 27-29 and September 28-30
    • Optional four night stay in two-bedroom residence at Ritz-Carlton Destination Club
    • Private golf clinic by Annika
    • Lunch, wine reception, and photo/autograph session with Annika
    • 18 holes of golf, with green fees and carts included
    • Three days of instruction with Henri Reis and Charlotta Sorenstam
    • Putting, chipping, bunker play, and full swing
    • Course management overview with Charlotta Sorenstam
    • Strength potential, swing enhancement, and nutrition with Kai Fusser
  • Soren-Slam Package
    • Available August 5-7
    • Optional four night stay in two-bedroom residence at Ritz-Carlton Destination Club
    • Nine holes of golf with Annika
    • Lunch, wine reception, and photo/autograph session with Annika
    • 27 holes of golf, with green fees and carts included
    • Three days of instruction with Henri Reis and Charlotta Sorenstam
    • Putting, chipping, bunker play, and full swing
    • Course management overview with Charlotta Sorenstam
    • Strength potential, swing enhancement, and nutrition with Kai Fusser

Each package also includes a full service breakfast and lunch each day and a special gift package.

"It is our pleasure to offer this unique golf experience at our Clubs through the Annika Academy," said Peter Watzka, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for The Ritz-Carlton Development Company. "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."

Golf has gained some increase prominence over the past several months within the destination club industry. In addition to the Ritz-Carlton announcing this tour and Annika as a club ambassador, we have also seen the launch of the PGA Tour Club. The destination club industry's only wine themed club, Destination Cellars, has sponsored PGA Tour Pro Parker McLachlin and the LPGA's Meaghan Francella. The Markers Club, the first destination club to cater exclusively to golfers, is still working towards going public.

For more news on the rest of the destination club industry, golf related or not, check back frequently and request a free copy of our Destination Club Guide for more information about the concept, benefits and risks of joining, and suggested due diligence points to consider when speaking with a club.