Suzy Whaley: How Much Impact Will She Have as First Woman Officer of the PGA

When Suzy Whaley was little, it’s not likely that she looked at mom or dad and said "One day, I want to be an officer of the PGA of America.”   

But now, as recently elected secretary of the organization, she brings influence beyond the title because she is the first woman in that capacity since the founding of the PGA in 1916.   

Whaley’s new post is even more noteworthy because she was elected by the PGA Section representatives, who are primarily men.  The result also comes on the heels of the dismissal of past PGA of America president Ted Bishop for unfortunate comments he made on Twitter, calling Ian Poulter a “lil girl.”  

Many women who work in golf feel that Whaley's election will have a significant impact in the industry.  

“The vote was the result of a lifetime of creating relationships and demonstrates that leadership roles are possible for women who are capable and committed.  She has been a role model all of her life.  Now, the example she set reaches beyond the people she has personally touched,” said Jan Bel Jan, ASGCA, who heads Jan Bel Jan Golf Course Design, one of the 10 most influential women in golf, according to Sports Illustrated.

Azucena Maldonado, founder and president of the Latina Golfers Association in Los Angeles said, “Without a doubt, Suzy Whaley will have a tremendous impact on our efforts to grow the game of golf with women. She is the role model we can point to as proof that the golf industry is serious about inclusion.”  

"Not only is Suzy an excellent representative for the PGA of America, its members and initiatives, she is a voice for business owners too," added Emmy Moore Minister, President of Moore Minister Consulting Group and honorary member of the Northern California PGA Section.  "Suzy understands what it takes to develop a successful business model, especially in today's marketplace."

While it may seem to some that Whaley is an overnight sensation, nothing could be further from the truth.  She has earned the right to be an officer in the biggest professional golf organization in the U.S., just as the men who were on the election slate.  Whaley’s record is strong, so strong that it was hard to ignore. Like many other PGA of America professionals, she spent much of her life playing or teaching the game.  

Her interest in golf developed when she had to give up another sport.  As a youngster, she was an avid skier.  However, an injury meant that she could not chase Olympic downhill dreams.    

Conveniently for creating golf history, Whaley’s late mother had already paved the way by introducing her to golf at age nine.  As a teen, she was good, good enough to play for the University of North Carolina.  After college, she qualified for the LPGA and remained a touring professional for two years.  

But for Whaley and her husband Bill, starting a family was important, and they made the decision to have a more normal lifestyle. Though she got off the tour, Whaley didn’t trade in her clubs permanently. Instead, she went to work in golf and became a PGA professional.   

Whaley has been named a top-50 teacher by Golf Digest, a top-five national female teacher by Golf Digest magazine and a Master Certified US Kids teacher. 

She is a two-time LPGA Northeast Teacher of the Year and a two-time PGA Teacher of the Year honoree in the Connecticut PGA Section. 

Whaley is certified by the PGA of America in player development and is currently the National PGA Growth of the Game Co-Chair. 

She is a past National PGA of America Board Member and Connecticut PGA Section Board Member. Currently she’s on the board of The First Tee of Connecticut. 

No matter who you are, that’s a strong list of accomplishments. 

Whaley is now Director of Instruction at the TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut, which gives her an implied stamp of approval from the PGA Tour.  She is everything you’d want as an executive in a golf setting or in any setting, for that matter. 

She’s also the mother of two teenage girls, both of whom play golf, and as one can imagine, her schedule is full.   

“Suzy understands the gifts that golf brings to individuals of all ages, to families and to communities,” said Debbie Waitkus, CEO of Golf for Cause and partner of the National Women’s Golf Alliance.  “As Secretary of the PGA of America, I’m confident that Suzy will continue to share her passion for the sport and for life, moving the growth of the game dial in the right direction.”

Kathy Bissell is a Golf Writer for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained first-hand or from official interview materials from the USGA, PGA Tour or PGA of America.