Aggressive PR campaign set for Annika Academy, foundation, additional brands
(VIENNA, VA) – Legendary golfer Annika Sorenstam has selected Buffalo Communications to manage publicity and media relations for the ANNIKA Academy, ANNIKA Foundation and her portfolio of other ANNIKA-related businesses.
Widely regarded as the best female player of all-time, Annika re-wrote the record books during her 15-year, Hall-of-Fame career. Among her many accomplishments are 89 worldwide professional victories, including 10 major championships.
She stepped away from professional golf after the 2008 season to focus on her family, charity work and business. In addition to her academy, course design and wine enterprises, Annika partners with Cutter & Buck to create the “Annika Collection,” fashion-forward women’s golf apparel that combines performance and innovation with femininity and modern styling.
In 2007, she established 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.
“Buffalo has a track record of consistently generating impactful editorial coverage across media channels,” says Annika. “This is paramount to advancing our businesses and especially our Foundation’s mission.”
“Annika is highly respected for her dedication to make a difference on and off the golf course,” says Rich Katz, Managing Director of Buffalo Communications. “Her past, present and future combine for layer upon layer of meaningful storylines.”
About the ANNIKA Academy
The ANNIKA Academy is a state-of-the-art, “boutique” teaching facility at Orlando’s Reunion Resort. Opened in 2007, the Academy is a platform to share Annika’s passion for golf and fitness. It is led by her long-time personal coaches, Henri Reis (lead swing instructor) and Kai Fusser (personal trainer). Their proven, simple techniques allow players of all skill levels to reach their potential by transferring more energy and power to the golf course. One of only 15 certified Callaway Performance Centers in the country, the Academy provides custom-tailored corporate packages, individualized golf instruction, personalized fitness programs, club fitting and even opportunities to play golf with Annika.
For more information: www.theannikaacademy.com, 888.266.4522
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. It partners with several key organizations, including SPARK, the Florida Hospital for Children and The First Tee. The Foundation is also a financial supporter of Healthy 100 Kids, awards SPARK grants for schools, and has endowed a $100,000 ACE Grant to help underprivileged juniors compete in the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA). Other initiatives include ANNIKA Junior Day and the ANNIKA Inspiration Award.
It annually conducts three major golf events for aspiring junior girls: ANNIKA Invitational at Reunion Resort in Orlando, FL, an award-winning AJGA tournament; ANNIKA Invitational at Mission Hills, the first all-girls junior championship in China; and ANNIKA Cup, a team event for top juniors in Sweden.
For more information: www.annikafoundation.org
About ANNIKA Course Design
Annika’s course design philosophy is shaped by more than 20 years of international travel and competition on the world’s best golf courses. Capturing the landscape’s natural character and crafting an environmentally-friendly layout is paramount. Another bedrock principle is creating multiple tees and generous landing areas to make courses enjoyable for all ages, genders and abilities. More experienced players will be challenged by approaches into imaginative green complexes. Annika has received acclaim for a global menu of designs in the U.S., China, Turkey, South Africa, Malaysia, Canada, Korea and the Philippines.
For more information: http://www.annikasorenstam.com/Course_Design.htm
About ANNIKA Vineyards
A joint venture with Wente Vineyards in California’s Livermore Valley, the ANNIKA Vineyards’ Central Coast portfolio is comprised of two ultra-premium, boutique wines: the 2006 and 2008 Syrah and 2009 Chardonnay. Both won Silver Medals at the Los Angeles International Wine Competition, and the 2009 Chardonnay recently received 88 points from Wine Enthusiast and 94 points from Ken Hoggins at Ken’s Wine Guide. Annika is involved throughout the vinification process, from hands-on blending with fifth-generation Winemaker Karl Wente to personally introducing the wine to the world.
For more information: www.annikavineyards.com
About Buffalo Communications
Headquartered outside Washington, DC, Buffalo has offices in New York, Boston, Minneapolis, Pinehurst (NC) and Phoenix. Generating consistent, well-positioned exposure, the firm helps increase awareness and revenues for top brands. Buffalo’s client roster of domestic and international category leaders includes the LPGA Tour, PGA National Resort & Spa (FL), Kaua’i Visitors Bureau (golf co-op), Sea Pines Resort (SC), Half Moon Bay Golf Links / Ritz-Carlton Half-Moon Bay (CA), Mission Hills Golf Club (China), ECCO, Fila Golf and Club Glove.
For more information: 703.761.1444, www.buffalocommunications.com
Contact:
Shane Sharp
Buffalo Communications
704.519.8381 (cell)
ssharp@buffalocommunications.com
www.buffalocommunications.com
Stephen Reynolds
Buffalo Communications
703.891.3509
sreynolds@buffalocommunications.com
