Olivion Golf Resort marks Annika’s first course design project in Europe
Orlando, Fla. (May 12, 2010) – Hall of Fame golfer Annika Sorenstam has signed an agreement to design a new 18-hole project, the Olivion Golf Resort, in Belek, Turkey. Olivion is Annika’s first course design project in Europe and ninth worldwide. The project is currently in the design stage and will feature a spectacular, world class practice facility.
The Olivion Golf Resort is located near the beach of Belek, just 45 minutes from Antalya. Turkey is becoming a popular tourist destination as the golf courses and beaches are attracting people from all over the world and Belek, in particular, is one of the centers of Turkey’s tourism industry.
“Venturing into Europe to design a new course is especially exciting,” said Annika. “I’ve had the opportunity to play some of the best courses the world and I enjoy that I can share my passion for the game by designing courses that all ages and skill levels can enjoy.”
Annika is visiting the site this week to walk the course area and work with developers to review all elements on the golf course’s design. Annika and Stan Eby of European Golf Design have begun routing the course and firming up other elements, including bunkering and greens positioning. Construction is due to start in the spring of 2011 and the course will open for play during 2012.
In addition to site visit, Annika will be awarded the Golf Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the KPMG Golf Business Forum in Belek on Thursday, May 13. Annika is being recognized for her commitment to the game of golf combined with her diverse entrepreneurial spirit. She will accept the first ever KPMG Golf Entrepreneur of the Year award in front of an expected audience of more than 300 international industry professionals.
About Annika
Annika is the greatest female golfer of our generation and often regarded as the best of all-time. During her 15-year Hall of Fame career, she rewrote the LPGA and Ladies European Tour record books, won countless awards and changed the way women’s golf was played, viewed, and covered. She amassed 89 worldwide professional victories, including 72 LPGA wins, ten of which are Major Championships. Annika stepped away from professional golf after the 2008 season to focus on her family and the ANNIKA brand of businesses, including the ANNIKA Academy, ANNIKA Financial Group, ANNIKA Course Design, the ANNIKA Collection of apparel with Cutter & Buck, signature high-end wines with Wente Vineyards, a fragrance with SA Fragrances, and an online retail shop, shopannika.com. In 2007, Annika created the ANNIKA Foundation as a way to teach children the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle through fitness and nutrition, and offer aspiring junior golfers opportunities to pursue their dreams. In 2008, Annika joined Arnold Palmer as only the second Ambassador of the United States Golf Association, and in 2009, along with Jack Nicklaus, she was named a Global Ambassador by the International Golf Federation and aided in the successful bid for golf in the 2016 Olympic Games. More information can be found at www.annikasorenstam.com.
Contact:
Elizabeth Benz
Brener Zwikel and Associates
w: 212-708-3329
c: 352-514-0550
e: elizabethb@bzapr.com
