By Jeremy Friedman, vice president of public relations, Outlyr
For Hall-of-Famer Annika Sorenstam, that phrase encompasses all facets of her career, both on and off the golf course. One of the most decorated golfers in history, Annika rewrote the record books during her 15-year Hall-of-Fame career, amassing over 90 worldwide wins, including 72 on the LPGA Tour and 10 Major Championships. She won a record eight Rolex Player of the Year awards, was the first woman in 58 years to play on the PGA TOUR, the only LPGA player to shoot 59, and is still the all-time money leader on the LPGA Tour, with over $22 million in earnings.
Outside the ropes, she founded the ANNIKA Foundation in 2007, with the goal of developing women’s golf around the world and encouraging children to lead healthy, active lifestyles. As a part of her Foundation, she established multiple junior events, collegiate and amateur events and programs to elevate and empower the next generation of players.
In 2023, she turned her sights to the professional ranks on the LPGA Tour and is building a new legacy in Tampa Bay. In collaboration with LPGA Tour tournament partners Gainbridge and Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican (formerly the Pelican Women’s Championship) launched in 2023, serving as the penultimate event on the LPGA Tour schedule. In 2024, the event returns for its second year (fifth overall), featuring a world-class field of 120 of the game’s top, female professional golfers competing at Pelican Golf Club for a share of a $3.25 million purse – one of the largest on the LPGA Tour, outside of the major championships – with proceeds benefiting The ANNIKA Foundation.
“It is an incredible honor to host one of the premier events on the LPGA Tour schedule, at Pelican Golf Club, a world-class facility in Belleair, alongside my good friends at Gainbridge,” said Annika. “Giving back to the game I love and mentoring the game’s next generation of players have always been at the forefront of everything we do. I’m excited to host the LPGA Tour’s signature event in Tampa, and I look forward to seeing the local fans at the course.”
As the sole namesake event on the LPGA Tour, Annika serves as tournament host, allowing her to further integrate the ANNIKA Foundation’s initiatives and programs into not only the LPGA Tour event during tournament, but also into the greater Tampa Bay community as a whole, as the only women’s professional golfing event in the region.
Many of the top stars and fan favorites on the LPGA Tour, including defending champion Lilia Vu, two-time champion and Bradenton resident Nelly Korda and major champions Brooke Henderson, Danielle Kang and Lexi Thompson will headline the 120-player field at The ANNIKA.
The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican presents numerous opportunities to get involved and enjoy the world’s greatest female professional golfers on one of Tampa Bay’s premier golf courses. Various ticket packages are available for purchase, including the “Lightning Lounge,” a luxury hospitality experience in partnership with the Tampa Bay Lightning at the tournament’s signature par-3 12th hole, as well as general admissions tickets that offer a wide degree of entertainment and access. All tickets are available for purchase at www.TheAnnika.com.
The ANNIKA also offers numerous signature opportunities to gather and connect with top VIPs throughout tournament week. Entertain clients in a private cabana or the Lightning Lounge. Showcase brands to a global audience and network with key decision makers in the corporate community. More information can be found at www.TheAnnika.com/corporate-support.
Annika and the LPGA Tour invite everyone to experience the excitement of women’s professional golf at Pelican Golf Club in November. The event will be hosted by the greatest female golfer of all time, as she continues to lead with legacy.
