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8/27/2008 - LPGA Commissioner praises Navistar Classic

LPGA executive praises golf tourney hosts

By Marty Roney

PRATTVILLE -- The first female commissioner of the Ladies Professional Golf Association told a Prattville audience that putting more women in the workforce and boardrooms of the nation's businesses will mean bigger profits.

She also believes next month's LPGA Navistar Golf Classic will pump more money into the River Region's economy than last year's event, which drew a gallery of 40,000 and earned high marks from tour officials, the Golf Channel, and the players.

"The second event is always better for the golfers," said Carolyn Bivens, the seventh commissioner of the 58-year-old organization. "We are looking forward to seeing larger crowds at the golf course this year.

"Prattville has just been great, very hospitable and very welcoming. Navistar is developing an excellent reputation on the tour. I think you see that when you look at the field."

Of the top 20 money winners on the tour, 19 have committed to play in the Sept. 22-28 tournament.

Bivens spoke at the inaugural Prattville Business Breakfast Series sponsored by Auburn Montgomery on Tuesday. The university has held similar events at its Montgomery campus for several years.

Bivens used to work for one of the nation's largest media services agencies before taking over at the LPGA, and she worked golf metaphors into her speech about the interface of business and sports in America.

"Everything I need to know about business -- and everything any of us needs to know about opportunities for women in corporate life -- can be learned on the golf course," she said. "Let's start with one of the most sacred rules in golf: Play the ball where it lies."

Women in the workplace aren't asking for special treatment, she said.

"Whether it's business or golf, the for-profit sector or the non-profit world, women aren't asking anyone to improve their lies," she said. "All women want, and all women need is a fair shot. Wherever they aspire to achieve, open the full range of opportunities for women."

She urged employers to seek out women to hire.

"Don't do it because it's the right thing to do. It is, but you don't need lectures from me on that. Nor should you open these opportunities because women are asking for favors. No woman I ever worked with has. Do it because it's good for business. Do it because it's profitable. Do it because when you open pathways for women, you create possibilities for yourself and your organizations."

A tournament spokesman said excitement is building for the tournament at the Capitol Hill Course, which will return next year.

"People have an idea now of what to expect," said Bill Lang. "The first year was a great tournament. For a first-year event it could not have gone any better. But we always look to improve. I think the community of the River Region has accepted this event and look on it as their own. We are very excited to be coming back to Prattville."

Rodney Jenkins, of Prattville, attended the last two days of play last year. This go round he plans on being back.

"It's too good an opportunity to pass up, especially when it's in your back yard," he said. "We followed Lorena (Ochoa) last year. It's a kick to see the top woman golfer in the world teeing it up on a course you can play just about anytime."

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