The ANNIKA Academy, the renowned golf teaching facility founded by Hall of Fame LPGA golfer Annika Sorenstam, is the national sponsor of the Heidmar Blue & Gray Golf Classics and its “Skills Challenges.” The tour features on-course contests called the “ANNIKA Academy Skills Challenges” and consist of the Longest Drive, Straightest Drive, Longest Putt, Closest to the Pin (2) and the Par 5 Challenge.
 
The Merchant Marine Academy will benefit through a revenue sharing program with the ANNIKA Academy, which features multiple golf school vacation packages geared toward world-class instruction. The ANNIKA Academy will donate a percentage of proceeds to the Merchant Marine Academy for all three day golf packages booked by USMMA graduates, families and friends.
  
“We are honored to support the Heidmar Blue & Gray Golf Classics and the men and women of the United States Merchant Marine Academy,” said Annika Sorenstam of the cause. “We are excited to be connected to this unique and special tour and I personally invite the Merchant Marine Academy community and Heidmar Blue & Gray Golf Classics participants to our facility. Come share my passion for golf, fitness and nutrition by joining us in Florida for a little fun, golf and instruction.”
 
The ANNIKA Academy, located on the property of Reunion Resort just miles from Disney World, is personally operated under Sorenstam and her team of instructors, personal swing coach Henri Reis, personal trainer Kai Fusser sister, LPGA winner, Charlotta Sorenstam, and Mark Bereza. Together, their style and approach to teaching golf has reshaped the skill levels of thousands of golfers.
 
“This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce the ANNIKA Academy to the Merchant Marine Academy family and the Heidmar Blue & Gray Golf Classics,” said Gregg Matalas, Director of Marketing/Blue & Gray for the USMMA Alumni Association and Foundation. “The ANNIKA Academy is one of the top golf teaching facilities in the world and has redefined the golf instruction. What better way to master the game than from Annika Sorenstam and her personal coaches? In the end, it’s a win-win for all, the Merchant Marine Academy benefits and everyone fixes their slice.”
 
For package details and more information on the ANNIKA Academy, please visit the ANNIKA Academy’s website  at www.theannikaacademy.com.