The Loop

Heavy hitters to speak at coaches' conventions

December 09, 2013

__By Ryan Herrington

LAS VEGAS—__There is no mistaking the interest level in college golf compared to the professional tours. Still, for what the collegiate game's fanbase lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality. Consider the presenters scheduled to speak to those who oversee the country's college programs the next three days the Golf Coaches Association of America and Women's Golf Coaches Association national conventions at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will deliver this morning's keynote address, offering lessons she has learned from golf—she backs a women's tournament at Stanford and is on the USGA Nominating Committee as well as being one of Augusta National's first female members—as they relate to leadership and teamwork.

Preceding her will be Golf Channel president Mike McCarley detailing the commitment the cable network has to expand its coverage for what it sees as an undercovered niche.

LPGA commissioner Mike Whan is slated to attend the women's convention to discuss the ties the tour has to college golf, and officials from the NCAA and USGA also will host discussions at both.

Even if college golf doesn't have a large general following, those within the industry appreciate its import in developing the game's next generation of stars.