Carlton Woods impressed LPGA players with his practice balls, ball-tracking technology, virtual reality, Rolls-Royces, and more at the Chevron championship

The WOODLANDS (Texas) — While the sun glowed brilliantly on The Club at Carlton Woods during Saturday’s third-round of the LPGA Chevron Championship and added a shade of green previously not seen by television audiences, tournament organizers were most concerned about the crowds of people waiting at a park-and ride near the course for the shuttle buses.

Too many fans After the first round of play, the most important thing to note was that the event had moved from California’s sacred grounds to Texas.

Steve Salzman, general manager and chief operational officer of the club knew that many people were sentimental and sensitive about leaving Mission Hills Country Club, Rancho Mirage, after 51 years. To give players a good reason to circle the date of the tournament, organizers needed to go deep into their bag of Texas hospitality.

The response was overwhelming positive. For the first time ever, $5,000 was added to the prize pool for players who did not make the cut. The players received courtesy vehicles for the week. Returning champions drove around in Bentleys or Rolls-Royces.

These are only a few of the benefits that the new partnership between Carlton Woods & Chevron will bring. LPGA players are often not given a choice when it comes practice balls. This means they have a very different experience on the range. Salzman and his team reached out to the ball manufacturers. Some provided extra balls, while others did not.

“That didn’t really sit well with us,” said he. “We contacted all ball manufacturers in order to obtain balls. We found that most of the major manufacturers were willing to help, but a few didn’t. So we checked our stock and ensured that the balls they use are available so they can play. It’s probably the first time this has ever been done. “The gals are really happy when they see their balls in boxes.”

Players Noticed

Many LPGA professionals said that they were excited by the new roots the event had planted, even though it was painful for them to leave the Coachella Valley. Brittany Lincicome was, for instance, impressed by the treatment players received.

It’s been fantastic. The entire experience was amazing. From the moment we arrived, to being picked up from the airport, to the Past Champions Dinner, and then getting my Bentley, all the way through until Tuesday. “You walk to the range, where the practice facility is. I would probably practice more if i had that facility.” I’m so jealous.

The golf course is absolutely perfect. It’s beautiful. It’s the course for long-hitters. It’s narrow. It’s narrow. Don’t cut yourself short. You’ll be in trouble if you do that.”

Salzman stated that the organizers wanted to take ideas from the Masters, perhaps the most prestigious tournament in the world. They even used the same technology at the practice range as Augusta National.

Salzman said, “This is the very first time Toptracer Range was at an LPGA tournament.” The package was originally at the Masters. As soon as it was finished, it was put on a semi truck and brought here for setup. This was the first time that an arranged product had been made available in the LPGA’s history.

Korda says the crowds were incredible

The initial move went smoothly, except for some long lines at the shuttle stop. Lilia Vu’s historic jump in the lake from the 18th hole went without incident. Vu beat Angel Yin in a thrilling playoff on the first green. Nelly Korda finished third after she made a long putt for eagle on the 18th to come within one shot of the play-off.

The crowds were incredible. My group has been able to attract a lot of people. We’re treated really well. “I like the course too,” Korda added. “It’s challenging. The difference between the Palm Springs golf course that we have played so many years and this one is that it has more water. The course is a bit wider, say off the tee. But there are many trees so you have to stay within. The greens can be very difficult. Palm Springs has a tighter tee shot, but both are great golf courses. I have heard (I’m not certain if it’s true) that the greens will be re-done next year.

Stacy Lewis is a native of The Woodlands and was part of the Chevron player advisory group. They wanted to know how to make this championship more special. “There are a lot traditions associated with this event. What were the ones that we found most important?” asked Stacy Lewis, a product of The Woodlands. They asked players who were still active, retired players and everyone else.

“Chevron crushed the competition. The trophy says it all. Dinah’s Place is on 18. “This week was all about Dinah, and we told them that over and over. That was what was important.”

The fans also had a more enhanced experience, as behind the ninth green was an impressive structure called the Inspiration Dome. Half of the dome housed an Accenture sponsored virtual reality experience that allowed them to experience the life of a LPGA professional.

Mollie Marcoux-Samaan, the LPGA commissioner, was among those who participated in the exhibit.

All of this was part of an ambitious plan to make a big splash at the inaugural event. Salzman said he understood the history of the tournament and wanted to remain true to its roots. However, he also stated that organizers were aiming to make this event an even greater spectacle and insisted on the plans for the next year to go even larger.

If the players want something, they will get it. “If they want it, then they will get it,” said he. “I’ve heard so many times that people don’t usually get this or expect that at an event such as this. But I ask: but they would like it? Let’s do it. I have heard that this is unlike anything they’ve ever experienced. I think, “Oh boy, I am going to really blow them away next summer.”

We’ve got big plans for this.