REDMOND, Wash., July 24, 2000 — Microsoft Corp. today announced an agreement with professional golfer Annika Sorenstam, LPGA Tour standout and two-time U.S. Women’s Open champion, to promote the upcoming release of the Microsoft® “Links 2001™ ”
PC golf simulation game.
“Links 2001,”
the newest version of Microsoft’s leading PC golf franchise, is scheduled to appear in retail locations in late October.
“I’m a total computer buff, so it’s a thrill for me to see my likeness and playing style captured in a video game,”
Sorenstam said.
“The accuracy of ‘Links 2001’ is remarkable. My hope is that it gives virtual golf players a real feeling for what the professionals experience when they’re on the green and competing.”
With 23 career victories on the LPGA Tour, including five this season, Sorenstam becomes the most recent golf great to join the
“Links”
family. The agreement with the 1994 LPGA Rookie of the Year and 1995 Player of the Year will include the use of her name and likeness on the upcoming
“Links 2001”
box and other marketing materials. The deal also is structured to feature Sorenstam as one of the 14 player selection options for
“Links 2001.”
She will also appear on the
“Links 2001”
Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/games/links2001/ .
Sorenstam joins PGA legend Arnold Palmer and 1999 PGA Championship runner-up Sergio Garcia on the game box and as a player selection option. The agreement with Sorenstam marks the first time that Microsoft has featured a member of the LPGA Tour in any of its golf games or properties.
”
Annika is the perfect addition to the ‘Links’ franchise as women’s presence in the golfing and PC golfing world continues to grow,”
said Scott Lee, product manager for
“Links 2001”
at Microsoft.
“Now, casual golfers and PC golfers can play at some of the most famous courses in the world with Annika and her unique playing style right there on the screen.”
Sorenstam recently participated in video sessions with the game producers, in which her swing types were captured from multiple camera angles to re-create her actual swing for the game.
This version of the best-selling golf simulation will feature an entirely new graphics engine that delivers unprecedented ball physics and graphics, and the addition of the Arnold Palmer Course Designer, which allows PC golfers to re-create their home courses with the same tools as those used by the
“Links 2001”
team.
Other improvements to
“Links 2001”
include new tour players and courses, new golfer animations and personalities, customizable club distances that allow for an even more accurate re-creation of a player’s actual game, and faster and easier online play.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.
Microsoft and Links are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
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