Archive for August, 2009

Soheim Cup Reinforces Market there for Women’s Golf

August 25, 2009 · Filed under Events, EWGA, The Golf Industry · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


The 11th staging of The Solheim Cup was spectacular. It truly was a world stage for the best that women’s golf has to offer. For those of you who traveled to Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, IL this past week; you can appreciate the simplicity and sereneness of this competitive setting nestled among corn fields. For me, it gave a whole new meaning to Field of Dreams.

EWGA at the Solheim Cup

Men and women came. Children came. Over 120,000 fans of the game came. The players were ready and whole heartedly embraced their surroundings and all that was at stake as women’s golf was cast into the international spotlight. As fans, we were treated to a wonderful three days of spirited competition. While the U.S. retained the Solheim Cup with a 16-12 point score, the impact of the matches went much deeper. The caliber of women’s golf is top notch.


We saw Michelle Wie say hello to the golf world in a carefree and joyous manner that we had not experienced before. Juli Inkster played in her final Solheim Cup Matches. Laura Davies, a longtime standout on the European Team and fan favorite on both sides of the pond wasn’t at her competitive best which I am sure was disappointing to her. European Team Captain Alison Nicholas was a true professional throughout the Matches. Paula, Morgan and Christina along with Kristy, Brittany and Natalie and the rest of the US Team sparkled and glittered throughout the Matches. Beth Daniel is now a victorious Solheim Cup Captain.

Former Solheim Cup Captains were celebrated at a special fundraising dinner on Saturday evening where they shared stories of their experiences and stressful competitive moments. LPGA Founding Members, Shirley Spork and Louise Suggs were omnipresent at the first tee. Louise Solheim who was married to Karsten Solheim for 63 years before his passing in 2000 was still front and center at this year’s Matches.

It was as if the written pages of women’s golf history came alive right before our eyes if you were there this past week. What a treasure of memories!

Solheim Cup Get Together for Chicago EWGA Chapter and Guests
I was delighted to see so many EWGA members in the galleries throughout the three days. From California, Seattle and Nashville to Seattle, Huntsville, Boise, Springfield, MA to Columbia SC to NY, NJ, CT, NH, NC and WI and of course, FL…. we were out in full force. The EWGA’s Chicago Metro Chapter members were everywhere! They certainly were proud volunteers and we thank you for your great efforts and contributions to this years’ event. Kudos to you! And by the way, the Thursday evening gathering hosted by the Chapter was great fun too!
Solheim Family meets EWGA Family

We can never thank the Solheim Family enough for what they have done for women’s golf. And how fortunate are we as EWGA members that PING is one of our supporting partners too!

The 2011 Matches are two years away. It’s also the EWGA’s 20th anniversary in 2011. The Solheim Cup is truly an event that every golf fan needs to experience at least once in their lifetime. So, what better way to celebrate the world’s most prestigious women’s golf event than to travel to Ireland together – to support TEAM USA and partake in all the festivities! I know I will be there!

Won’t you join us? Stay tuned for details!!!!

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The PGA Championship

August 17, 2009 · Filed under EWGA Foundation, Uncategorized · Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Minnesota Metro Chapter with Pam Swensen, Lisa Lifer and LeeAnn Finger

Visiting with the Minnesota Metro Chapter are far left LeeAnn Finger and 4th from right Pam Swensen and Lisa Lifer far right.
PGA Championship Week – what a week for the sport of golf! Events such as the PGA Championship represent the pinnacle of our sport as it brings together the greatest players to test their mettle on spectacular and demanding layouts. That’s what is happening inside the ropes. However, the action outside the ropes is equally as riveting and this past week was no exception.

On Wednesday, the PGA of America in conjunction with the EWGA hosted a special “behind the scenes tournament experience” for more than 70 professional women from the Twin Cities. I was fortunate to speak to this impressive group of executive women as we lunched then toured the PGA Media Center, Mercedes-Benz Experience and the PGA Learning Center. It truly was about connecting women to the game of golf – and that’s what the EWGA is all about. Joining me were several leaders from the EWGA’s Minnesota Metro Chapter and the President-elect of the EWGA‘s Board of Directors, Lisa Lifer. The afternoon was filled with keen insights into the tournament operations, networking and of course recruiting future EWGA members.

That evening, the PGA recognized and honored William Powell with the highest honor the PGA bestows: the Distinguished Service Award. . His love affair with golf began at the age of 9 when he became a caddie. However, when he returned from WWII after serving our country, he was denied access to play golf here in the U.S. So, in 1946, Powell’s journey began where he boldly crossed racial boundaries when he followed his dream to build a golf course. This gentle grandson of Alabama slaves became the only African-American to build, own and operate a golf course known as Clearview Golf Club in the United States. Today, Clearview Golf Club is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and “America’s Course” as Powell once said, “is a course where the only color that matters is the color of the greens”.

William and Renee Powell with Pam Swensen and Lisa Lifer at PGA Championship

Pictured above are Bill Powell (seated), Renee Powell, Pam Swensen and Lisa Lifer.
Bill Powell’s pioneering efforts have been carried on by his daughter Renee, the 2003 PGA First Lady of Golf and a PGA and LPGA Professional. Renee was the second African-American to compete on the LPGA Tour following tennis legend Althea Gibson.

The PGA’s Distinguished Service Award Ceremony was such a moving tribute to not only Bill but the Powell family. I am proud to say that Renee is also a member of the EWGA family and through the EWGA Foundation’s assistance, we too our making a contribution to the preservation and fulfillment of Bill and Renee’s dreams at Clearview Golf Club in East Canton, OH.

On Thursday morning, the leaders of the industry convened for a Golf 20/20 Executive Committee meeting where we were greeted and celebrated the announcement that “Golf Made the Cut” as the IOC Executive Board recommended two sports (golf and rugby) for inclusion in the 2016 Olympic Games. The IOC’s final vote on whether to add as many as two sports will take place on October 9th in Copenhagen, Denmark. Throughout this process, the golf industry has demonstrated unprecedented unified support including the resounding support of golf’s top ranked male and female players. So, you can imagine the excitement when the official announcement was shared during this meeting. Only one more hurdle to go!

PGA Championship Press Room Pam Swensen, Lisa Lifer

And now back to the action inside the ropes. In the annals of sporting achievements, the story of South Korea’s Y.E. Yang has got to be close to the top of the list. On Sunday, with the world watching and expecting Tiger Woods to march confidently to his 15th major championship win, a far different story unfolded. The victory, Yang’s second this season, was the first major championship win for an Asian man and will most certainly have a positive impact on golf in Asia.

Y.E. Yang

It was a fitting ending to an historic week in golf.

Next up on my travel schedule: Another milestone in the history of golf. This time it’s The Solheim Cup Matches at Rich Harvest Farms in Illinois. Stay tuned.

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Ten Years and Glowing

August 10, 2009 · Filed under Events, EWGA · Tagged , ,

10YearAnniversaryribbon.svg.hi
The last few weeks and the next few weeks have me on the GO! I had the privilege of attending the Long Island Chapters’ 10th year anniversary celebration in late July. What a great celebration! Talk about exceeding my expectations. To see what this group of passionate women accomplished in 10 short years on Long Island is incredible. They are the go to source on women’s golf. With now 1,000 members, yes that is true, 1,000 members they are truly living the vision of the EWGA: Enriching women’s lives through the game of golf.

Their anniversary event included a mega golf day spanning three courses and culminated with a gala at the Cradle of Aviation at the Reckson Center at the Museums at Mitchell with nearly 450 members in attendance. Patrice Franco, former Association Board Member and volunteer leader extraordinaire prepared a wonderful 10-year retrospective video on the Chapter which will soon be airing on the home page of EWGA.com. LI Chapter President Janet Mallon and an exceptional group of extraordinary women worked tirelessly on organizing this celebration commemorating their 10 years on LI. Nancy Oliver, the EWGA Founder also made a special appearance at the celebration.

Let me just say that these women are terrific and bring every aspect of what the EWGA is all about to life! My congratulations to them and their commitment to continue to grow their Chapter and reach a new milestone of 2,000 members! If they can do it – we all can continue to grow this Association!

The LI Chapter leaders have figured out the way to reach deep inside of themselves to develop, nurture and cultivate the needs of their members. Trying to do it alone can certainly be arduous. But they have mastered the secret to the recipe that taps successfully into each other’s wisdom, knowledge, spirit and enthusiasm which when brought together – has germinated into an invigorating, dynamic and successful Chapter.

Here’s to another decade of greatness!

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