PGA Headquarters

So during my last couple weeks of my internship with MAPGA I was having a late night life story chat with Mike Aldrich the Player Development Regional Director who was usually helping us with setting up a DCP. He finally made it to the question, "What do you want to do with golf?" I said, "Well I like what I'm doing now, working for a section. But I don't know I guess I would like to teach golf to women in the Middle East." Mike was perplexed, "Why do you want to do that?" Honestly I had no idea. I've advanced my answer since then, I guess it's because as a female in a male dominated sport it seems easy for me to compare myself to the women in this culture that are considered less than men. I wouldn't even dare to say my circumstances are worse or even close to comparable as some of the women in these cultures. However, having similar causes like trying advance sports and those that are playing them led me to PGA Headquarters in West Palm Beach, Florida. When I told Mike this he was surprised and said well good luck with that. Maybe a week later Sandy Cross the Senior Director of Diversity & Inclusion for the PGA sent an email out explaining the PGA's continued participation in the Global Sports Mentoring Program. Created by Hilary Clinton and hosted by the US State Department and espnW, over a dozen sports organizations and corporations participate as mentors to many delegates that enter the program with a specific sport from a foreign country that they wish to leverage women in their culture through sport. They work with movers and shakers within these organizations to create an action plan that they will present at the end of their four weeks in the States and return to their country with ideas and new motivation with accountability to bring these plans to life. Mike and I were floored at the impeccable timing. It was definitely an act of God. When I got back to school I got in contact with Sandy Cross and determined that thanks to my unique aspirations it would be fantastic for me to visit even if it's just for a day. The best day we could determine for me to come would be October 2, aka last Friday.
I got in touch with my program's director, Kim Kincer, and she connected me with an EKU PGM alum Angela Shmelzer. Angela one of the few female EKU PGM grads not only works at PGA HQ as a player development program advisor but was in fact a mentor to the PGA's delegate and heavily involved in the program. Another awesome act of God. Things continued to fall into place. But when I made it to Florida I got to stay with Angela and her roommate another EKU grad. The day that followed was jam packed with me meeting incredible and influential people. It started early with a trip to the office and the building that I aspire to have my name in for one reason or another. It was then I got to meet Yasmian Alsharshani, the star of the show. This young lady is the delegate from Qatar and an avid golfer ready to make change happen in her home country for the better. She wore her traditional and bright pink lipstick. This fashionista was affluent and quick to befriend others that supported her mission. I got to meet another great woman before the first event on the calendar, Suzy Whaley, the current secretary of the PGA. The first female to possess this position and soon to become the first female president of the PGA. Full of energy, always smiling, and one of the fittest women I have ever met. As soon as she entered the room, she took control, not in a demanding manner by any means but her presence (while high above others) she was warm and so personal. I got to shake her hand one of the highlights of the day was her recognizing who I was and saying, "Oh you're the student [from EKU] that's interested in teaching? Yes I'm so excited to meet you, I've been able to read your resume and you seem to be very accomplished good for you." I was floored and said, "Well I'm very fortunate to have made so many great networks that have allowed to do what I've done." She complimented my humility and said you will do great things one day. I was so pleased to have heard her say that and I hope I get to talk to her more. We then moved into the order of the day with our Breakfast & Learn. This was introduced by Sandy, and so was I! I was introduced as a special guest and my desire to teach was my qualifying factor and I got to stand and wave. It was pretty cool. The next hour was mostly a panel of the two mentors, Angela and Rhona Aime (the only female in the C office); and the stars of the show Suzy and Yasmian. They answered questions concerning women and sports, their role within defining women in sports, and fun facts about themselves. I hope to post a transcript of the dialogue that occurred at another time. But the whole time all I could think of was the quote from the Representation Project, "You can't be what you can't see." (Which Suzy happens to be a fan of!) If you don't see the opportunity of being a female golfer in Qatar, then what's the purpose for pursuing it. If you don't see a female leader in the PGA why would you assume you deserve a position of some sort. The entire breakfast and learn was moderated by Emily Claypool the PR director of governmental affairs for the PGA and played a crucial role in relaying Yasmian's story to the public. It was after this presentation of some sort was over we moved to PGA National to the Fazio range for Suzy to run through a Get Golf Ready Program with Yasmian. It was instructional and good for Yasmian to see what this would look like for a group of women interested in playing golf. It was really good for me to listen to too because of the practical teaching ideas that were so practical I couldn't believe I hadn't learned them yet. It was here after an hour and a half in the 90 degree weather I was interviewed by the PGA... there was a camera and everything. I was asked questions like what interests me to do what I do, why do I love the game of golf, who has been a big influence in my life and others. I was complimented for my presence in front of the camera, which was encouraging. I was even able to discuss having an internship with PGA magazine or some other entity with the PGA for my PR minor with Emily. We then hurried back to HQ to do some more video recording and for more meetings to happen. The whole day the PGA media team was recording what Yasmain was doing and how Suzy was influencing her action plan. The team hoped to pitch it to Golf Channel and have it to use for the future to show what the PGA does. The day continued on with me seeing some familiar faces like Darrel Bock, Bob Baldassari and Priscilla Guay. The next meeting we headed into was working on Yasmian's action plan. This included the mentors, Sandy, Emily and I sitting in a meeting room discussing the action plan from the mission plan to practical tactics. I felt very influential in this process, I was able to give input and help clarify ideas. It was really encouraging to see the progress that was made and see just how big of a movement could occur in Qatar. Next Yasmian and I headed to a meeting with the PR  director of the PGA and learned that Yasmian is already very good with social media, but now needs to refine her story and getting it to more influential avenues. This was at 4 pm, I could not believe how fast the day had flown. I had no idea how incredible it would be meeting all of these people and learning about all the things I can do with the PGA some day. Getting to meet Yasmian was fantastic, I know she'll do fantastic things once she learns exactly what the next step is for advancing the game of golf in a culture so unique to her. Meeting Suzy and being encouraged by her example and her drive for the game of golf and all of those that love it as much as her. Meeting Angela and seeing the potential of all what a PGA Management student can accomplish. I wish I could've stayed longer and just flown back with Yasmian and help her teach all of the Get Golf Ready programs and setting up the Jr. Golf Leagues.
The main things I can take away from this weekend is:

• God's timing is impeccable and not about my comfort zone. I really didn't think I would be alright with going to a foreign country and teaching golf, but here we are!
• Opportunities for changing the game of golf for everyone is on the horizon and I can't wait to be a part of it!
• Finally, I have no idea what I'm going to do.

These last few months have made a huge impact on my life and I can't wait to do all kinds of great things within the PGA and across the world. But I honestly don't know what that looks like. I hope God brings clarity, in His own timing. But I'm thankful for all of it!