The organizers of the La Reserva de Sotogrande Invitational hosted by ANNIKA, Ladies European Tour event that was played from 16 to 19 May, are already planning the 2020 edition after the success achieved this year at La Reserva Club de Sotogrande. “When you share the same passion, everything is easier,” explained Marc Topiol, general manager of Sotogrande S.A., about Annika Sorenstam, his traveling companion in the launch of the tournament. The couple had three clear objectives: to promote women’s golf, contribute to society and ensure that the tournament becomes an essential stop on the international calendar of the Ladies European Tour. Now that the first edition is over, the balance could not be more positive.
“It has been a great experience for La Reserva and for Sotogrande as a whole. I have to thank our team for their dedication and effort to present the course in superb condition and provide a very family friendly atmosphere throughout the week. The stars have been the players, ideal representatives of women’s golf, and it has been a pleasure to support the Ladies European Tour with this new tournament,” summarized Marc Topiol.
Annika Sorenstam, one of the best players in history and winner of ten majors, was the star of a week full of activities.
“We have the vocation to be the first in everything and we had always dreamed of having Annika. As for the future, we have already started working on the second edition. We will evolve until we get professionals, spectators and the community to enjoy the week even more,” added Topiol, who made it clear that the tournament had met the objectives set. “Very well. On the sporting side everything went well and the players enjoyed the course and our facilities, and from a business point of view, the television coverage was spectacular and made it clear who we are and why we do what we do”.
The involvement of Annika Sorenstam through the ANNIKA Foundation will continue to be basic in the tournament and the winner of the Annika Invitational Europe, a tournament that brings together the best amateurs on the continent, will play the next edition of La Reserva de Sotogrande Invitational. Precisely, the local María Parra, who fought for the title at La Reserva, which was finally won by Céline Herbin, was one of the 25 players present at the tournament who had participated in events organized by the ANNIKA Foundation in her amateur days.
“I found it a fascinating idea that Annika has been involved in this tournament and it certainly serves as an attraction for many players. When I finished playing on the last day she came up to me, told me that she remembered when I played her tournament and to keep it up because I can go very far. Then he posted a picture of me playing on Instagram, it made me very excited!” explained Parra, who also had words of praise for the course and the tournament. “I’ve played a few times at La Reserva and the course has always been very good, but the truth is that I had never found it like that week. spectacular! As for the organization of the tournament, I think it couldn’t have been better. Out of 10 I give it an 11”.
The player from Guadiaro was the protagonist of the week thanks to her good game (she finished sixth as the best Spanish player tied with Carmen Alonso) and for the enthusiastic public she attracted during the tournament. Neighbors, friends and family accompanied her during the four days.
“It has been one of the best feelings I’ve had since I’ve been a professional. I love playing at home and, above all, in front of the people of my town. I am very grateful that so many people have come to support me,” Parra concluded.
The organizers of the La Reserva de Sotogrande Invitational hosted by ANNIKA also thanked all those who made contributions to the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC), as in total more than 33,000 € were raised for this statewide non-profit organization that leads the effort of Spanish society to reduce the impact caused by cancer. The social objective of the tournament was also achieved.
La Reserva de Sotogrande Invitational hosted by ANNIKA is sponsored by Sotogrande SA, the founding company of Sotogrande, and organized by Deporte & Business and the Ladies European Tour. The tournament had extensive international television coverage and viewers in our country could enjoy it through Movistar Golf, Teledeporte and Andalucía TV.
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