Abu Dhabi: Swedish proteges — Amanda Linner and Julia Engstrom — are set to join the player roster as Annika Sorenstam’s wildcard picks for the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open (FBMLO), that gets under way at the iconic Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in the capital on November 1-4.
Linner recently prevailed at the 2017 Annika Invitational Europe after birdieing the final hole to force a dramatic play-off conclusion. She is currently ranked fourth in the amateur European Golf Rankings and 19th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, Amanda is regarded as one of the top young players in the world.
“This will be my first time playing golf in Abu Dhabi and I’ve heard wonderful things about last year’s tournament. I hope I can repay Annika’s faith in me and deliver for all those who come along to this year’s tournament, particularly my family, and encourage more people to get involved,” said Linner, while speaking about her participation in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Engstrom made her Ladies European Tour (LET) debut when she was only 13 years old at the 2014 Helsingborg Open. At the age of 15, Julia became the youngest ever winner of the Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship.
She is currently ranked sixth in the World Amateur Golf Ranking and competed for Europe in the 2017 Ping Junior Solheim Cup alongside Amanda.
“It was such an incredible surprise when I heard that Annika had picked me to be part of this year’s FBMLO. I come from a golfing family — and my family’s support has always been extremely important. My father has a four handicap and my mother also plays, so that’s where I get my love of the game from and my competitive attitude,” felt Engstrom.
Sorenstam is of the view that the opportunity will be an incredible experience for the youngsters. “Amanda and Julia have played well in recent months. I am thrilled that they will have the opportunity to travel to Abu Dhabi to compete in this wonderful LET event, which I was delighted to help launch last year. The Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open will be a very special week for everyone and I look forward to seeing how Amanda and Julia perform against the top professionals in Europe. I wish them along with all the players the very best of luck,” said Sorenstam.
This year’s tournament is focused on family and community, with a range of fun activities, food trucks and entertainment as well as the world-class golf, making it a perfect day out for all the family, and a great opportunity for youngsters to get into golf and other sports.
Golfing fun includes a bespoke crazy golf course, chipping challenge, the regions first-ever ‘paint golf’, and introductory beginners’ sessions, with other sports covered by the FIFA Club World Cup fan zone, and sessions from Abu Dhabi cricket, and Troon Fit.
