Annika Sörenstam, widely regarded among the greatest female golfers of all time, visited Estonian Golf & Country Club, Tallinn, as plans for her first course design in Europe take shape.
The 10-time major champion, who amassed an unprecedented 89 tournament victories in a 15-year career, is designing a new course to complement the venue’s existing Sea Course.
Construction of the new course at Estonian Golf & Country Club is part of a major development to create a family leisure resort and spa, including a 150-room hotel, overlooking the Gulf of Finland.
Annika is working closely with European Golf Design (EGD), the golf course design company of the European Tour and IMG, with groundwork scheduled to start in 2016.
Capturing the character of the landscape
“My approach to course design is to capture the natural character of the landscape, blending golf holes into the surrounding environment. My goal is to create a versatile course that can be enjoyed by players of any age and skill level, using a variety of tees, landing areas and approaches, Sörenstam said.
“Ultimately, I want it to be both a strategic challenge and a memorable experience, whether you are an elite player competing in a tournament, or a young golfer enjoying a family holiday.”
Replaceïng the existing 9-hole course
The new 18-hole course will replace the existing 9-hole Stone Course at Estonian Golf & Country Club, and will complement the championship Sea Course.
On high, flat land above a limestone escarpment that drops down to a pine forest and the Sea Course, the new Annika layout will command outstanding views over the Rebala National Heritage Area, within which the country club is situated.
Using the long, native grasses and firm turf, the course will have a links-like look and feel. Tees will be spread out with the tournament course measuring 6,445m (7,050 yards), while fully constructed forward tees will create a genuine 4,000m (4,375 yards) course for juniors and new golfers.
Read more: Estonian Golf & Country Club
