Photo: MONTANA PRITCHARD / PGA OF AMERICA
S
uzy Whaley is the first female officer of the nearly century-old PGA of America, but she’s no stranger to blazing a trail in the typically male-dominated sport of golf. After all, Whaley, who was elected secretary of the organization last November, competed in the 2003 Greater Hartford Open, making her the first female to qualify for a PGA Tour event since Babe Zaharias in 1945. She also is a decorated golf teacher and competed on the LPGA Tour in the early 1990s.
Suzy Whaley
PGA of America |
Secretary
But last year’s election as PGA of America secretary not only recognizes Whaley’s vast achievements in the association, it also puts her on track to become the first female president of the 28,000-member PGA of America, starting in 2018.
“It is an opportunity to be a part of something bigger,” Whaley said of her ascension into the officer level of the PGA of America. “I hope to continue to grow the game.”
Whaley has spent her entire career involved in the game of golf. She played at the University of North Carolina; met her husband, Bill, who is a PGA of America member, through the sport; and still teaches the game, as director of instruction at Suzy Whaley Golf in Cromwell, Conn.
Part of Whaley’s leadership duties within the PGA of America involves meeting with sections of the organization across the country as she tries to push forward the PGA’s agenda.
“Our biggest priorities for our members are education, employment and player development,” Whaley said. “I love the game of golf, and I will do anything I can to help the game.”
— John Lombardo
- Notable professional achievement: Earning the right to play and compete in a PGA Tour event against the best male players in the world.
- Biggest professional disappointment: Losing my LPGA Tour card.
- Best advice received: Take opportunities when they are in front of you, no matter the challenge.
- Causes supported: Golf in Schools, PGA Reach.
- Woman in sports business I’d most like to meet: Stacey Allaster, to learn how she was so successful in growing sponsorships and purses among women in sports; Danica Patrick, to hear about how she fits into a “man’s world” and overcame numerous challenges to reach her own personal success; Laura Gentile, for her outstanding work with espnW; and Lindsey Vonn, as my first sport was ski racing. I trained in high school to compete in the Olympics. She is an inspiration to me for her athleticism and her ability to overcome injuries.
- If my colleagues were asked to describe me, they would say I: Bring energy, innovation, courage and a different perspective to my role.
