'ANNIKA Experience at WaterSound' Raises Over $100,000 for Children's Charities

'The ANNIKA Experience at WaterSound' kicked-off with a golf clinic hosted by Hall of Fame golfer Annika Sorenstam, who was assisted by one of the world's most-accomplished and decorated soccer players, Mia Hamm. The due then played a 10-hole match at Origins Golf Club, joined by 20 local junior golfers who each played a hole as a partner with either Annika or Mia. Jennifer Mills, gulf analyst for NBC Sports and former anchor of the Gulf Channel, emceed the match. Hundreds of local residents and visitors, along with local broadcast and print media, showed up on a brilliant sun-splashed day to follow the match.

"Team Annika" prevailed, as Annika executed one solid shot after another. Following the match, Annika and Mia hosted a luncheon at WaterSound's Village Commons, spoke about the important work for their respective foundations, and took part in a soccer skills challenge with two local soccer clubs.

The next day opened with a children's health and wellness clinic at Camp Creek Golf Club, hosted by Annika and SPARK, the leading San Diego-based physical fitness and nutrition program for school and after-school settings. The ANNIKA Experience Golf Tournament followed, with Annika stationed on the picturesque par-3 16th hole to meet, greet and play a shot for each group.

The weekend was capped off with a Wine and Culinary Reception at Fish Out of Water that evening. Guests were treated to a walkabout dinner featuring local seafood and chef-sourced meats, ANNIKA Syrah, signature drinks, and entertainment by a local jazz trio. Annika also demonstrated her passion for cooking by cooking live with Chef Philip Krajeck, chef de cuisine at Fish Out of Water, who was recently nominated for the best chef in the South. The live auction items, highlighted by getaway packages to world-class resorts, events and destinations, and the opportunity to play golf with Annika, generated palpable buzz and fetched winning bids that helped the event exceed its fundraising goals.


View invitation flyer (pdf)

Visit www.annikafoundation.org or www.miafoundation.org for information on each athlete's respective charities.

Receive future invites

In the news