Live From the LPGA Ford Championship with Tournament Director, Emily Podzielinski

In this episode of T-Time with Tori, we dive into the world of professional golf tournaments with Emily Podzlinski, the tournament director of the LPGA Ford Championship. From growing up on a golf course to overseeing one of the biggest events on the LPGA tour, Emily shares her journey and the ins and outs of running a successful tournament.

Emily's Journey to the LPGA

"I fell in love with just the tournament and how cool it was that what they were building. And I was like, I want to do that." - Emily Podzlinski

Emily's love for golf started at a young age, growing up on a Pete Dye track in Indianapolis. She played for fun as a kid and later decided to pursue golf more seriously in high school. After playing collegiate golf at Eastern Michigan and the University of Arkansas, Emily found her passion for tournament operations while interning at an LPGA event in Northwest Arkansas.

The Making of the Ford Championship

When asked about the process of bringing the Ford Championship to Seville Country Club, Emily emphasized the importance of several factors:

1. A championship-ready course for the athletes
2. Excellent facilities for players and spectators
3. Engaging finishing holes (like 16, 17, and 18 at Seville)
4. A strong partnership with the host club

"You kind of got to take all those different things into account before you select a course, and we have a great partnership with Invited Clubs, and we're very fortunate that they extended a welcome to us to play here." - Emily Podzlinski

The Role of a Tournament Director

As a tournament director, Emily wears many hats. From coordinating with sponsors and vendors to overseeing course setup and spectator experience, no two days are the same.

A month out from the tournament, Emily and her team are:

- Working with the club to finalize operational details

- Managing budgets and selling sponsorships

- Coordinating dining menus and special events

- Communicating with the LPGA tour agronomist and course superintendent

 "You're doing something new every hour of every day, and you have to switch gears really quickly." - Emily Podzlinski

The Pro-Am Experience

The Pro-Am, held the day before the tournament begins, is a chance for sponsors and amateurs to play alongside LPGA professionals. Emily and her team work tirelessly to create a seamless and memorable experience for all involved.

The day includes:

- A pairings party to reveal the Pro-Am groupings

- Fun activations like glow golf and live music

- A nine-to-nine format where amateurs play with one pro for the front nine and another for the back nine

The Players and the Field

With 28 of the top 30 players in the world participating, the Ford Championship boasts an impressive field. Emily explains the qualification process, which includes:

- A priority list based on various factors

- A Monday qualifier where players compete for two spots

- Two sponsor exemptions selected by the tournament and Ford

Course Setup and Spectator Experience

Once the tournament begins, Emily's focus shifts to ensuring a smooth experience for both players and spectators. This includes:

- Working with the rules staff to set up the course each day

- Monitoring weather and making adjustments as needed

- Optimizing spectator flow and addressing any bottlenecks

- Providing access and engagement opportunities for fans

"Providing access to the audience to spectators, from viewing to autographs to engagement, that's what's keeping the fans coming back." - Emily Podzlinski

The Role of Television Broadcast

The Golf Channel plays a significant role in bringing the tournament to viewers at home. Emily and her team work closely with the broadcast crew to:

- Plan tower locations and camera angles

- Conduct production meetings and test runs

- Influence pairings and feature groups for Thursday and Friday rounds

"Golf Channel does this week in and week out. It's kind of like a really fluid motion for them. This is obviously a brand new venue. I'm sure there will be learning curves, but there's been a lot of planning to make sure it's correct and a lot of work done." - Emily Podzlinski

Defining Success

When asked what makes the Ford Championship a success, Emily highlighted several key factors:

- Smooth logistics for getting people in and out of the venue

- Strong ticket sales and attendance

- Positive feedback from players and spectators

- Making an impact in the local community

Getting Involved

For listeners interested in getting involved with an LPGA event in their area, Emily recommends:

1. Visiting www.lpga.com to find event-specific websites and information
2. Exploring volunteer opportunities, as every tournament needs a variety of volunteers
3. Considering sponsorship or other ways to support the event

"If you want to be a spectator, if you want to like work the event, if you want to support the event in a different way, if you want to sponsor an event, there's different avenues to get involved and I just encourage people to find the event, find the right contact and see how you can get involved." - Emily Podzlinski

Emily's Love for the Game

Despite the demands of her job, Emily still finds time to enjoy playing golf. She comes from a competitive family of golfers and loves to play whenever she gets the chance.

"I love playing. I'm one of five. All of my brothers play golf. We're all a super competitive family. I love to play every chance I get. I don't get frustrated whatsoever. I'm frustrated that I can't hit it as far as I used to and I straight, but I love to have fun." - Emily Podzlinski

From the meticulous planning and coordination required to pull off a successful event to the passion and dedication of the players and volunteers, it's clear that there's much more to an LPGA tournament than meets the eye.

As Emily emphasized throughout the interview, the LPGA Ford Championship is not just about the competition on the course; it's also about creating unforgettable experiences for players, spectators, and the local community. By partnering with top-notch facilities like Seville Country Club and working closely with sponsors like Ford, the tournament aims to showcase the best of women's golf while leaving a lasting impact on all those involved.

For golf enthusiasts and casual fans alike, attending an LPGA event offers a unique opportunity to witness world-class athleticism up close and personal. With a focus on accessibility, engagement, and fun, tournaments like the Ford Championship provide a welcoming environment for spectators of all ages and backgrounds.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the sport, there are plenty of ways to get involved and support the LPGA. From volunteering at a local event to following along with the action on television, every fan plays a role in growing the game and empowering the next generation of female golfers.