LA QUINTA (Calif.) — Two spectators in the gallery had this conversation as the Scottie Scheffler/Tony Finau group approached La Quinta Country Club’s eighth green during the opening round.
“Who is that playing along with Scheffler or Finau?”
“I heard it was the NBA commissioner.”
“Really? That’s cool. He is a very good golfer and should be the PGA commissioner.”
“Ha! Yeah, no doubt.”
Jay Monahan, the PGA Tour commissioner was actually the man in question. Adam Silver, the NBA commissioner, was not seen on the grounds.
They were wrong about Monahan, but they were right about the man’s golfing ability. Monahan made a few nice shots on Thursday. Scheffler and Finau couldn’t manage par. Monahan also hit a beautiful birdie at the par-3 seventh hole.
Mike Whan, executive director of The American Express Pro-Am this week, was another familiar face. Golf Association.
Mike Whan, CEO of USGA, putsts on the 10th Green during the first round 2023 American Express in La Quinta (California). (Photo by Taya Gray/The Desert Sun).
Whan was the LPGA’s former commissioner. He spent his time in Coachella Valley each year during the LPGA major championship, now called the Chevron Championship. This event will be moved to Houston in 2023.
Whan is close friends with Steve Squeri (CEO of American Express), and American Express is a major sponsor of the USGA. They also have a large presence at the U.S. Both men and women are welcome to apply.
