World Golf Hall of Famer substantially increases her investment in pioneering
technology that aids bunker drainage and hydration, promotes reduced turf Irrigation
(ORLANDO, Fla.) – Annika Sorenstam – 10-time major winner and part owner of Capillary Concrete® – has purchased a 50% stake in the company, significantly increasing her financial commitment.
Founded in 2012 by Martin Sternberg, CGCS, Capillary Concrete is an easy to apply, homogeneous and pervious liner featuring exceptional strength and durability. The system’s capillary properties keep bunker moisture levels consistent and playable. At the same time, it promotes improved drainage to ensure sand remains in place after rain, avoiding costly washouts even on severely flashed bunker faces.
More than 2,000 bunkers worldwide have had Capillary Concrete’s patented system installed. They include major championship venues like the Olympic Club (Calif.), Atlanta Athletic Club (Ga.) and Riviera C.C. (Calif.), as well as Ryder Cup hosts Gleneagles (Scotland) and Le Golf National (France). Sales of Capillary Concrete increased by 40% from 2014-15 with similar results expected this year.
“Capillary Concrete saves courses time and money when it comes to maintenance of bunkers and surrounding turf,” says Annika, who has designed courses on three continents. “Even more impressively, it improves course conditioning in an environmentally-friendly manner, something that’s especially important to the game’s continued growth.”
The system has also exhibited stellar results when it comes to reducing irrigation of turfed areas. Water savings of up to 90% and improved plant quality have been documented.
Adds Annika: “Capillary Concrete’s applicability to turf is also extremely encouraging. With water at an increasing premium, there’s incredible potential for its reach beyond golf to sports fields, parks, residential and commercial landscaping, and more.”
The strongest and most environmentally-sound system available, Capillary Concrete works in all climates and consists of a special Light Weight Aggregate which preserves and distributes moisture. It is manufactured by Argex BE and contains no stone material, owing its superior strength to homogeneous bonding.
Sternberg, a PGA member for 30 years, became the first European to earn Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) status from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) in 1992. He also enjoys extensive golf course construction experience from his work with family-owned Sternberg Golf Services AB. In addition to his Capillary Concrete duties, he co-owns and manages 1,500-member Torrekulla Golf Klubb in Gothenburg, Sweden.
An investor since January 2015, Annika officially acquired her additional shares last week from Almi, a Swedish venture capital firm.
For more information about Capillary Concrete: www.capillaryconcrete.com, Facebook, YouTube, https://twitter.com/MartinSternberg
For more information about Annika and ANNIKA Course Design: www.annikasorenstam.com, YouTube, http://annikasorenstam.com/coursedesign/
About Capillary Concrete®
Capillary Concrete® is a worldwide patented (some markets still under application) material that has the unique capability to move moisture up and down through capillary action and gravitation. Capillary Concrete revolutionizes bunker liner technology with its unique drainage characteristics and ability to provide perfect playing conditions in any weather. Capillary Concrete® is safe and easy to apply. The homogenous mixture of aggregates and proprietary admixture creates a strong, cost-effective and long-lasting solution for bunker care.
About ANNIKA Course Design
ANNIKA Course Design has completed three courses globally: the ANNIKA Course at Mission Hills Golf Club in Shenzhen, China; Euphoria Golf Estate & Hydro in the Waterberg region of South Africa’s Limpopo Province; and Golden Bay Golf Resort in TaeAn, South Korea. Annika’s credits also include The 27 Club in Tianjin, China where each hole is designed by a different major champion; Estonian Golf & Country Club in Tallinn, Estonia, which will be her first design in Europe; and Olivion in Belek, Turkey. In the U.S., she’s currently working with Arnold Palmer to design The King and The Queen course in Lake Elmo, Minn. It is scheduled to open in Summer 2017.
Annika’s design philosophy seeks to capture the natural character of the landscape while preserving the environment, spirit and traditions of the game. Also of paramount importance is designing courses that are enjoyable for golfers of any age, gender or skill level. To accomplish this, she creates holes with a variety of tees and generous landing areas. Hazards are cleverly placed to challenge the better player without being overly penal to mid- and high-handicappers, while green complexes expertly balance fun, visual appeal and strategic elements.
Contact:
Stephen Reynolds
Buffalo.Agency
703.344.6031
sreynolds@buffalo.agency
Buffalo.Agency