Annika Sorenstam, considered one of the greatest female golfers of all-time, created the ANNIKA Foundation in 2007 to “give back” to the game. It started with one junior girls tournament. Today the Foundation, whose mission is to develop, empower and advance young women around the world through golf and in life, has impacted 8,000+ females across sixty countries and invested more than $10 million into girls’ golf initiatives to date. This year alone the Foundation will reach another 1,300+ girls ranging from young girls to young pros.
Starting at the grassroots level, the Foundation conducts “Share My Passion” clinics designed to welcome young girls to the game and encourage them to develop new friendships. Girls are asked to submit letters or videos explaining why they love golf. From these heartfelt entries, forty girls are selected to participate. Throughout the four-hour clinic, they learn golf fundamentals, make new friends, and experience the joy of the game firsthand. The day concludes with an interactive clinic led by Annika where she highlights the importance of fun and fundamentals.
At the junior level, the Foundation provides world-class opportunities. Its junior tournament series spans the globe, with seven premier events held annually in Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the U.S. The crown jewel—the Hilton Grand Vacations ANNIKA Invitational presented by Rolex—is more than a tournament; it’s a launching pad. The winner earns an exemption into an LPGA event, and the roster of past champions includes current LPGA professionals like Celine Boutier, Alison Lee, and Angel Yin, as well as rising stars like Asterisk Talley, a 16-year-old phenom.
For collegiate athletes, the Foundation offers two prestigious women’s tournaments: the ANNIKA Intercollegiate presented by 3M for many of the top Division I teams, and the More Than Golf Invitational presented by Bank of America for Mid-Major Conference Champions. In partnership with the Haskins Foundation, the Foundation presents the ANNIKA Award presented by Stifel given annually to the best collegiate female golfer. The ANNIKA Development Program was developed to support college graduates who are pursuing their professional golf dreams. And in 2024, the Foundation joined forces with the ANNIKA Women’s All Pro Tour to provide a credible pathway for emerging talent to reach the Epson Tour and LPGA Tour.
In addition to supporting women’s golf development, the Foundation champions a “More Than Golf” philosophy. Through its “More Than Golf” Virtual sessions as well as in-person events, girls gain tools and knowledge on personal growth opportunities. Topics such as mental wellness, physical fitness, financial literacy, public speaking, and career development are central themes. Most recently, the Foundation introduced the ANNIKA Inspiration Award presented by Cleveland Brothers created to recognize ANNIKA alumnae who are giving back to their communities and making an impact off the course after golf. The first recipient will be recognized at LPGA’s “The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican” event in Tampa this November. More information about the ANNIKA Foundation can be found at annikafoundation.org.
