Annika Sorenstam signed a marketing deal with Ritz-Carlton Destination Clubs, that will showcase branded Sorenstam products from signature clothing and fragrances to wines and autographed photography at all locations. Sorenstam also will conduct personalized events, including golf outings, wine tastings and culinary experiences.
Jack Nicklaus appointed Evolution Golf as the Nicklaus Design representatives for India. Evolution Golf principal Shivas Nath, a former player turned golf entrepreneur will also work closely with Nicklaus Design’s Paul Stringer to grow the Nicklaus brand and business throughout the world’s second-most populous nation. Nicklaus Design opened its first course in India in 1998, with the unveiling of Classic Golf Resort in New Delhi. Nicklaus Design has projects under development in Ahmedabad and Ludhiana.
John Strawn is busy growing the Arthur Hills/Steve Forrest golf course design brand in China. He has an executive vice president for business development working in the burgeoning golf frontier identifying future projects. Strawn has plans to hire a Chinese national to serve as the company’s first design representative once Hills/Forrest signs its next new contract.
Arnold Palmer celebrated his new layout PGA Tour-style at his privately owned Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando. Besides playing host to his annual Arnold Palmer Invitational March 25-28, Palmer unveiled a totally revamped golf course, including newly designed tees, greens and bunkers, and a routing that now stretches to par-72 rather than the age-old par-70 layout. Erik Larsen oversaw the redesign alongside fellow Arnold Palmer Design Company architects Thad Layton and Brandon Johnson.
Jim McLean jumps into the full-time junior golf business in August when he opens his new Jim McLean Junior Academy in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. McLean’s new junior-focused facility will be located at the Jim McLean Golf Center-Texas. It’s highlighted by five indoor hitting bays, a 50,000 s.f. short-game area, lighted driving range and 9-hole practice course.