A Woods on LPGA Tour would boost women’s golf

June 25, 10:37 AMBoston Golf ExaminerEmily Kay

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With the LPGA losing sponsors and TV viewers, and commissioner Carolyn Bivens making one public relations blunder after another, it sure wouldn’t hurt for Tiger Woods’ niece to become a fixture on the LPGA Tour.

Just look what Tiger has done for the men’s tour (his presence boosted purses into the stratosphere) and what happens when he’s not in the mix (TV ratings plummet). Interest in women’s golf would likely boom as well if Cheyenne Woods can make it in The Show.

Of course, while Tiger began his legendary golf career at the age of three and accompanies his achievements with a charismatic personality and ease, his 18-year-old niece from Wake Forest University teed it up in only her first LPGA tournament today and is far from becoming a women’s tour stalwart. When a sponsor offered Cheyenne Woods an exemption into this week’s Wegman’s LPGA Tour event, however, she didn't hesitate.

“This is the first tournament I was offered to play in and I jumped on it,” Woods told the Rochester (NY) Democrat and Chronicle.

Playing as an amateur after her freshman year at Wake Forest, Woods has modest goals for her first encounter with the world’s top women golfers at Locust Hill Country Club in Pittsford, NY. She hopes to make the cut and play the weekend, but she’s vying with the likes of Se Ri Pak, Morgan Pressel, Natalie Gulbis, Brittany Lincicome, Karrie Webb, Christie Kerr, Michelle Wie, Paula Creamer, and Laura Diaz. Top LPGA golfer, Lorena Ochoa, is not playing.

The only freshman on the Wake Forest team, Woods played well in her first season. She helped her team win the ACC championship and ranks 93rd on Golfweek’s list of collegiate women golfers. 

While some -- including her mother, Susan -- worry about Woods rushing into the bigs too soon, Tiger and her college coach support her efforts.

“She knows no fear,” Wake Forest Coach Dianne Dailey tells the Buffalo (NY) News.

Cheyenne Woods is older than Tiger was when he debuted on the national stage, although her golf acumen did attract attention when the younger Woods was but 10 years old. For now, all comparisons between uncle and niece end with their smooth swings, dimples, and smiles.

For sure, Cheyenne Woods is not looking for comparisons with her famous relative. "I try to set myself aside from the Tiger Woods name,”  Woods told North Carolina Public Radio in April,  “and just make a name for myself."

With a three-over-par on the par-70 Locust Hill course, Woods is seven strokes back of the clubhouse leader and holding her own on day one. Also in the field this week are native New Englanders Anna Grzebien (Narragansett, RI), who finished the day at at minus-2, and Carrie Wood (South Dennis, MA), who will tee off this afternoon.

To read more about Tiger Woods’ niece, check out Boston Golf Examiner’s article about Cheyenne Woods.