China’s first ‘girls only’ junior event to award top three finishers berths in
AJGA’s 2012 Annika Invitational
SHENZHEN, China (August 24, 2011) – Hall of Fame golfer Annika Sorenstam is hosting the first ever junior girls-only tournament in China on the Annika Course at Mission Hills Dongguan this week.
China’s first “girls-only” junior tournament will be played Wednesday through Friday on Annika’s namesake course, one of 12 at the world’s largest golf club. The 54-hole stroke-play competition will feature two divisions – Girls Under 18 (born 1993-95) and Girls Under 15 (born 1996-99) – and is open to players from countries throughout the world.
The three low scorers, regardless of division, will win coveted berths in the American Junior Golf Association’s (AJGA) 2012 ANNIKA Invitational in Orlando, Florida. The AJGA is widely regarded as the United States’ finest junior golf circuit, and has awarded the ANNIKA Invitational in Orlando two national awards, including “Best Invitational” for girls.
“We enjoy a long-standing relationship with Annika and are excited to have helped create China’s first ‘girls only’ junior championship,” says Tenniel Chu, Vice Chairman, Mission Hills Golf Club. “She shares our devotion to developing the stars of tomorrow, both on and off the golf course, by providing access to tournament playing conditions, world-class instruction and educational opportunities.”
“I am very excited to expand the ANNIKA Invitational format to Mission Hills in China,” says Annika. “Mission Hills has been a leader in growing junior golf throughout Asia, so I am extremely pleased to partner with them to bring the first girls-only event to China. I want girls around the world to have the opportunity to pursue their dreams, just like I did.”
Annika, winner of 89 professional tournaments (72 on the LPGA Tour) and 10 major championships during her 15-year Hall-of-Fame career, will be at Mission Hills during the event. She will host a number of activities, including skills clinics and a dinner for competitors.
The Annika Course represents her first foray into golf design. Opened in 2004, highlights are spectacular mountains rising more than 300 feet above fairways and several panoramic vistas of the entire Mission Hills property. Well-manicured landscaping dominates the perimeters of the par 72, creating an aesthetically appealing “botanical” atmosphere.
For daily tournament updates, visit http://annikafoundation.blogspot.com.
About the ANNIKA Foundation
The ANNIKA Foundation teaches children the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle through fitness and nutrition, and offers aspiring junior golfers opportunities to pursue their dreams.
A non-profit organization founded by Annika in 2008, it held the inaugural ANNIKA Invitational in 2009 at the Reunion Resort in Orlando, FL, home of the ANNIKA Academy. The tournament attracts the top junior female golfers from around the world and is known for Annika’s hands-on involvement in all tournament activities, including clinics and educational sessions for the participants.
About Mission Hills Group
The Mission Hills Group, owner and operator of Mission Hills Shenzhen and Mission Hills Hainan, is the pioneer in China’s fledgling hospitality, sports and leisure industry.
Mission Hills, recognized as the leading golf brand in the world and synonymous with high-end, luxurious residences of rare and exquisite design, has created two superb leisure and wellness resorts. It has held more than 100 international tournaments, including the 1995 World Cup of Golf and the Tiger Woods China Challenge in 2001. In 2007, Mission Hills began its role as host of an unprecedented 12 editions of the Omega Mission Hills World Cup.
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