Conversations that change the game in US Open Womens

Erin, Wis. – for many reasons why I love US Women Open Week, the largest has nothing to do with results or trophies.

According to my assessment, what does it do US Women Open Excellent is the same thing that makes golf glitter – not birds or shakuns but people behind them.

This week, I met a bunch of the most attractive golf people in Erin HillsWhen I followed the golf with us presented by the Ally Leadership panel. Ally, usga, and Erin Hills Staff invited current female collegial athletes, sports business diplomas and new business professionals from the Great Milwaukee area to a panel and network events that aim to boost their trust and use golf as a business tool while jumping into their careers. I was not a college athlete, but as someone who played sports all my life and now working in the golf industry, the conversation felt extremely important for my work as well.

Work began earlier this month with an introductory golf clinic in Erin Hills, where Ally and USA offered guidance and perspective by Ally Ambassador (and formerly -World No. 1), Lilia Vu.

I have to admit that I was not sure what to expect when following the panel on Thursday afternoon. I headed to the Ally Hospitality Tent from the 18th with an open -minded mind and sat down with some young women ready to learn. One of my favorite golf media personalities, Tisha Alyn, moderated a series of questions for Panelists Chereé Hicks, Jean Beakey and Stephanie Marciano for golf, their career, trust and intersection.

Every woman on the panel had an extraordinary story to share. Hicks amazed the room with her fast sense of humor and contagious energy as she talked about her journey from a successful track and field athlete at Siracuse University to oversee the development and management of USA National Development Program grants. Hicks trained the road and field to college level for years before crossing Golf. Her message to new players – don’t be afraid to hit bad shots – it was a great memory for anyone who wants to get into the game (or maybe for people like me, who sometimes avoid playing because they are not good).

Hicks explained that her mother received Golf at the age of 67, providing clubs in a large deal of her second -hand sports store. Its point-you don’t need the latest and best on the Golf Club Tech to enjoy the game-it is an important one. However, my favorite Hicks Anecdota was her “Donut Day” story – for a friend who followed her company’s sugar to gather together at 8am every Wednesday. Saying yes about an additional event at work, Hicks friend was introduced to the company’s CEO when no one else appeared. Her friend ended up having valuable conversations with CEO in those “Donut Day”. Her emphasis on volunteering to go extra miles stuck with me, and I’m sure they will stick with young women who participated in the panel too

Jean Beakey, VP of Strategy and Sponsorships at NBC Sports Group, also served on the panel. In her current work, she marries the business and golf’s entertainment by joining Golf TV with her corporate partners. While the golf course is a great place to talk about in business, Beaely said she prefers to use her time in the course of people’s abilities – really knowing her customers, collaborators and new friends. Beakey has played golf for most of her life, which has given her a sense of belonging to the course that eludon so many young girls. Her speaking was a powerful reminder that after you have climbed the initial golf obstacle to the entrance, there is no limit to the things you can achieve.

The third and last panelist was Stephanie Marciano, director of Ally’s sports and entertainment marketing. Marciano is responsible for the strategic management and execution of the Portfolio of Ally’s sports partnerships, which includes all kinds of teams and leagues, including the position of presenting partner to women of the US Open. Marciano focused on the separate features between successful athletes and businessmen: tireless work, willingness to get difficult reactions and balance in all corners of life. Marciano has been a major part of Ally’s movement to invest equally in the sports of men and women – a target decision that is already paying dividends for the company. She gave great advice to interviews for women who participated in the panel, including the importance of body language, eye contact and personal engagement.

I participated in a small part of women in business panels during my time in college, but never one who talked about golf. I let the panel feel inspired and excited about young women who participated in the panel, many of which I hope to meet in the workforce. I hope they leave to feel encouraged and confident in their ability to take over and play golf when the opportunity appears on their own, even if it looks scary.

After all, golf is about much more than a result – it’s about people You share it with. And in the opening of the US women, there is no shortage of great people.

“>>