Behind the Scenes at the 2008 CN Canadian Women's Open

[Flagstick Golf Magazine]

Behind the Scenes – a special look at the CN Canadian Women's Open with guest writer Joe McLean, Editorial Assistant, Flagstick Golf Magazine

 

Ran into RCGA – Ottawa District Ladies President Jean Stone-Seguin working at the 16^th tee. In her usual upbeat fashion were the following comments. “What an opportunity to be up front & close with the big girls (LPGA players). They inspire you to work harder on your game.” On her association with all of the other volunteers at this event; “It would be nice to encourage many of the volunteers to get involved with the local Men’s & Ladies organizations. There’s a wealth of talented experience out there.”

 

Rachelle Harley, from Valemount, B.C. – a town of 1100 people, takes care of the Gourmet Food operation for the media area. Always bubbly, Rachelle during slow periods when the media are at their computers will walk around with snacks. “I try to focus on my job and do what’s best for the media,” were her comments on her dedication to her job. She has worked for Gourmet Food for 4 years and enjoys the summer travel as well as her job as a “Jill of all trades” at the local school in her home town. As this writer told her, we all appreciate of her efforts.

 

After the storm delay from yesterday, Eric Ruhs and his crew had a lot of work to do in a short period of time to get the course ready for play today. The LPGA officials wanted the concentration of his workload to be on the greens, bunkers and wiping the dew off the tees. Between 5:30 and 7:30 this morning, all the work was accomplished and then some, which was appreciated by LPGA officials.

 

The Caddy Shack is the relaxation and food service area located near the pro shop for the tour caddies and the trailer was specially built by Gourmet Foods for this event. Talked to Bonnie Cook and asked her if she had overheard any juicy stories and her reply was “Yes, but I had to sign a confidentiality agreement to work here.” Some of the LPGA players also hang out in this area and also enjoy the atmosphere. Speaking of Gourmet Foods, Flagstick talked to their President Mamish Macfie. This is their 5^th Women’s and they recently completed their third Men’s Open. Over 250 people are employed on the grounds in close to 40 stands and concession areas. These employees are supervised by 30 key people brought in from across Canada. Hamish got into the food industry after a comment from his parents who were also in the hospitality industry; “People always want to eat.”

 

Interviewing the Interviewer – Ashley Cushman is the LPGA Media Relations Co-ordinator and is on site at every LPGA event to interview the players and co-ordinate interviews with the local media personnel. Ashley started with the LPGA in March of 2007 after stints as sports information officer with the golf programs at a few American Universities. Her schooling was in TV broadcasting and she wanted to go into law and possibly get involved as an entertainment agent. As fate would have it, about the time her parents were about to cut the financial cord for schooling, through a sorority sister, this job with the LPGA fell into her lap. She has built up a solid relationship with the players and thinks of herself as “the Ed McMahan of the media room” while warming up the players before the media take over the questions in the press-room. Ashley enjoys the interaction with the media at all of the LPGA stops be they big or small.. Based in Daytona Beach, the newly wed of 3 years has an understanding husband and is seldom away from home for more than two weeks at a time. From the local media perspective, Ashley’s a great person to deal with and we wish her continued success.

 

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