Dear Commissioner Whan:
I am writing this letter after attending the recent Canadian Pacific Women’s Open in Vancouver, British Columbia. I felt compelled to write to you as I wanted to know what an amazing group of women you have representing the LPGA Tour. This is the second time I have attended this event and both experiences have been first class. This year my seven year old daughter attended all four days with me, and her experience has created a lifetime of memories.
I am currently the Manager of Event Services at Canucks Sports & Entertainment and have been in the sports and entertainment business for 20 years. In terms of value for the money spent and fan engagement I can say your organization has to be ranked at the very top of this business. Inside the ropes your product is outstanding and outside the ropes your players are so engaging and are tremendous role models who understand the role they can play in not only attracting young girls to your sport but in leading a more healthy and active lifestyle.
Although I found all your players to be very accommodating I wanted to acknowledge two of them for the amazing experience they provided my daughter. Paula Creamer had a very disappointing day on Friday and was almost in tears walking up eighteen. After signing her card she came out and signed autographs and took pictures with young girls for at least 20 minutes, including my daughter, who was just thrilled to meet her. This had to be tough for her and I thought it was very classy and showed what a great person she is.
Jessica Korda went out of her way to provide my daughter with a very memorable experience one she has not stopped talking about. In the second round my daughter was standing near a tee box and Jessica came over to give her a high five, after that my daughter wanted to following her. So for the rest of the week we followed Jessica and her group and anytime she saw her she would come over to give her a high five or high ten. At the conclusion of the tournament she took her picture with my daughter, signed her hat and gave her a signed ball and glove. Since the tournament ended my daughter has been constantly asking to go to the range to hit balls and play our local par 3 course. She is a fan for life and has been turned onto the game to the point where she wants to be just like Jessica.
Commissioner Whan I want to thank you again for coming to Vancouver and you have created two lifelong LPGA fans, such big fans my daughter and I are already planning a trip down to Seattle next year for the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Sahalee Country Club.
Sincerely,
Jim
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