LAKE ELMO, Minn. — It may be a season-opening event for most teams, but the ANNIKA Intercollegiate is a premier women’s college golf tournament.
Every year, the tournament kicks off the season in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, at Royal Golf Club, a course that was co-designed by Annika Sorenstam, who crafted the front nine, and Arnold Palmer, who designed the back. Plenty of the nation’s top teams make an appearance, and the list of individual champions is filled with stellar names.
Maria Fassi (twice), Rachel Kuehn, Lottie Woad, Patty Tavatanakit and others have conquered the tournament in past years, often predicting future success not only the remainder of the season but also for years to come.
In a fun twist to this year’s tournament, Annika Sorenstam, who makes an appearance each year, hosted a Q&A with players, coaches and select members Monday afternoon following the first round. Then, the tournament held a small party near the clubhouse, featuring games, food trucks and plenty of fun.
Even Sorenstam was out there playing football with players from numerous schools. The Hall of Famer isn’t just good at one sport, as you can see below.
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This year, the ANNIKA Intercollegiate also hired physical therapists to assist players with pre-round stretching and post-round recovery, a rarity at college events.
To no surprise, the ANNIKA Foundation continues to find ways to make its collegiate event one of the best in the country.
Here’s a look at some of the best photos from the ANNIKA Intercollegiate, from the Q&A to action on the course.