An inside look at the upcoming LPGA tournament
Q: Tell us a little about the LPGA/International Crown.
A: Founded in 1950 by 13 distinguished women, the Ladies Professional Golf Association is one of the longest-running women's professional sports organizations in the world. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida and has grown from its roots as a playing tour into a nonprofit organization involved in every facet of golf. Mike Whan is the current LPGA commissioner.
The 2016 schedule includes 34 events and visits to 15 countries. The UL International Crown takes place this year at Merit Club located in Gurnee, north of Chicago, July 18-24. It features the top four ranked players from eight qualifying countries. Countries qualify based on the combined world ranking of the top four players from each country and compete for the title of the "world's best golfing nation." Spain won the inaugural event in 2014 at Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings, Maryland. Underwriters Laboratories was named as title sponsor of the event back in 2014.
Q: What is your role with the tournament?
A: As the LPGA's chief communications officer, I am responsible for over-all awareness of the event, promotion, messaging and media relations/publicity. During tournament week, I will host news conferences and emcee several functions tied to the event. Among my roles at the LPGA, this event and its responsibilities is among the most rewarding.
Q: What does this caliber tournament mean to this area?
A: Chicago is an unbelievable golf community with a rich history of staging women's and men's championship golf. This event rivals any on the LPGA with regard to showcasing the top female players in the world. The UL International Crown's visit to Chicago kicks off three straight years of LPGA golf in the area as the KPMG Women's PGA Championship brings a major championship event to Olympia Fields and Kemper Lakes in 2017, 2018.
Q: Tell us two things about the tournament that most may not know.
A: The trophy awarded to the winning country is made by Tiffany & Co. It combines a globe with a crown and each of the four players on the winning team will be given their own victory crowns. There are no captains and no coaches involved in the competition. he four player teams govern themselves and work together to select match-play pairings each of the four days of competition.
Q: Describe the excitement and atmosphere at this type of tournament.
A: It's an electric atmosphere. Country pride is on full display with flags, painted faces and national anthems. Players fight hard to qualify just to compete for their country in a two-year process based on Rolex World Rankings. You'll see high-fives and hugs more than handshakes.
Q: How long have you been involved in the industry?
A: After graduating from University of Missouri in 1988, I was a broadcaster for 25 years including 17 with Golf Channel as studio host and play-by-play responsibilities. The opportunity to join the LPGA in this role was never expected and I consider it a great honor to be serving in professional sports at the executive level. Years of media experience in front of the camera has definitely helped me steer the organization and its efforts to grow our platform and brand. Q: Tell us about yourself. How did you get into the industry?
A: I'm a proud Chicago native and huge Chicago sports fan who grew up dreaming of being a sports broadcaster. As a junior high student I actually created my own "sports page" and distributed it around my neighborhood. I attended Lyons Township High School, played three sports and decided to forgo my senior year on the basketball team to handle play-by-play for the school's radio station. At my earliest age, I knew I wanted to work in sports. It's a tough business to crack and television is ultracompetitive. In addition to my television career and communications role with the LPGA, I founded HTK Media, LLC in 2010 which allows me to help individuals and corporations with media coaching and presentation skills training. I also author a blog and enjoy public speaking.
Q: What was your first job?
A: I delivered papers in the west suburbs as a junior high schooler. I also worked at Marshall Fields in Oakbrook and a furrier in Hinsdale. My favorite job was coaching baseball in my community and making an impact on young kids - some of whom still keep in touch, which is crazy.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: Kids at every opportunity - two are in college at University of Missouri and I have a high school freshman who plays volleyball which means lots of tournament travel. You can't work in the golf industry and not play golf. I play when I can. I read books - but not novels usually. I focus on books that motivate. And I spend a lot of time on my blog.
Q: Two people to follow on Twitter and why?
A. I'm an addict. I oversee LPGA social media so that means most everyone involved with our organization. Aside from that, I probably follow too many people - most Chicago sports sites and Mizzou sports sites to keep up on my passions. I learn a lot from Inc. and Forbes.