Annika Sorenstam Partners With The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club

By: Destination Club News
Date: March 24, 2010

The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and the world's most accomplished female golfer, Annika Sorenstam, have announced a new partnership that will make 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. "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 Ritz-Carlton Destination Club will create an "ANNIKA sense of place" that will include "branded products from signature clothing and fragrances, to wines and autographed photography." The ANNIKA Academy will also visit select club locations to "inspire players of varying skill levels to reach their potential by transferring more energy and power from the gym to the golf course." In addition, Sorenstam will serve as host at a sequence of member and guest tournaments at club destinations through the club's Lion & Crown Golf Series.

"We are thrilled to have Annika Sorenstam represent The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club," said Peter Watzka, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for The Ritz-Carlton Development Company. "This partnership is an excellent opportunity for The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club to work with one of the world's top golfers and offer our discerning Members extraordinary experiences they will not find anywhere else but at our Clubs."

Destination Clubs partnering with golfers isn't a new concept in the decade old sector, but Sorenstam quickly moves to the top of the list of notable names. Dream Catcher Retreats, now a part of Quintess, The Leading Residences of the World, announced that former PGA Player of the Year Mark O'Meara would serve as the club's first Advisory Board member. Destination Cellars has two golfers in their partnership network: Parker McLachlin and Meaghan Francella.

On the topic of golf, later today we will also profile our recent visit to The Markers Club and their new members' only lounge.