LPGA commissioner Mike Whan makes debut as on-course reporter

Mike Whan isn’t afraid to try something new. It’s part of what has made him such a successful commissioner of the LPGA.

Mike Whan isn’t afraid to try something new. It’s part of what has made him such a successful commissioner of the LPGA. He’s also a great communicator.

Put those two things together and you have a commissioner working as an on-course reporter in Round 1 of the LPGA Drive On Championship. Added bonus: He has a house at Reynolds Lake Oconee and has played the Great Waters Course numerous times.

The fast-talking Whan proved to be a natural covering the marquee group of Danielle Kang, Stacy Lewis and Mel Reid. Whan said he apologized to all three players in advance because “being quiet and whispering” is not his thing.

Everyone in Whan’s group got off to a solid start, so he can breathe a little easier. Kang, winner of the first Drive On event at Inverness, holds the early lead with Jennifer Song after an opening 7-under 65. Reid carded a 69 while Lewis shot 70.

Whan’s biggest hiccup came on the par-3 17th when Lewis asked him what he’d hit on the 155-yard hole. Whan said “8-iron, but I’d be worried about snapping left.”

LPGA Drive On Championship: Leaderboard

Lewis said he’d no longer be allowed to walk with them using that kind of language.

Whan told viewers that as the former No. 1 walked off the tee box after hitting the green, she said “You know, if I snapped that left I’m coming after you.”

“I was in the cart ready to go,” Whan replied.

The exchange, relayed by Whan, made for good TV, and Lewis ultimately birdied the hole.

Whan even conducted mid-round interviews, asking players what they would do if they were commissioner for an hour.

“Hire Mike Whan back!” said Kang, who looked more nervous than usual with a mic in her face.

While spectators weren’t on land for the event, many did catch the action by boat. Whan said he’d be out there with a dropped anchor for the next three days after this taxing work with Golf Channel.

Karen Stupples inquired about his ride to work this week, and Whan said he had a wakesurf boat that his sons like to use. Whan operated a water taxi service earlier in the week for Maria Fassi, who was headed from the Ritz Carlton to the course.

On the par-5 12th, Whan pointed to a house offline and noted that one of his sons has become a frequent guest there thanks to some wild tee shots.

“He’s getting to know them very well,” Whan said of the owners, “because he’s hit a few out of their backyard in the last year.”

Golf fans got a good dose of Whan’s humor. His familiarity with the course added credibility to his efforts, and he packed in a good deal of information in a short amount of time.

The unscripted, informal, self-deprecating chatter demonstrated another one of Whan’s strengths – building relationships. This time he did it with fans.

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