LPGA Hall-of-Famer Annika Sorenstam Hosts Annika & Friends at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

LPGA Hall-of-Famer Annika Sorenstam was joined by the biggest names in sports and entertainment for the inaugural Annika & Friends at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort last weekend.

Olympians Michelle Kwan, Dan Jansen and Bode Miller; actor Alfonso Ribeiro; "Dancing With the Stars'" Tony Dovolani; NFL standouts Anthony Munoz, Ricky Waters and Robbie Gould; rock-and-roll legend Alice Cooper; FOX Network host Gerri Willis; and LPGA stars Yani Tseng, Morgan Pressel and Nancy Lopez were just a few of the celebrities on hand.

"Annika & Friends was a huge success and golfers and celebrities had the chance to experience the Southern hospitality of our top Florida resort," says Rick Hileman, PGA Director of Golf Operations at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. "All of the celebrities were incredibly enthusiastic about visiting Sandestin and helping such a terrific cause."

All proceeds from the event have been earmarked for the ANNIKA Foundation and SPARK, the nation's leading physical education program for children. The organizations are working together to combat childhood obesity in elementary schools.

The festivities kicked off Saturday evening with a reception and dinner at Sandestin's Magnolia Ballroom. Sunday, Sandestin's Raven Golf Club hosted a celebrity tournament won by Cooper's team with a 13-under-par score of 59. Fittingly, Annika remains the only female golfer to ever card a 59 in a professional event.

Best-selling country artist and Hootie and Blowfish frontman Darius Rucker wrapped-up the weekend Sunday evening with a concert at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin Town Center.

Video of the event is available on Sandestin's YouTube channel. Images are available upon request: jwilliamson@buffalocommunications.com.