There’s great excitement in golf
circles as the 4th Women’s World Cup of Golf fast approaches. The
showpiece event takes place at the Gary Player Country Club, Sun
City from 18-20 January. We will once again look to Ashleigh Simon
and Laurette Maritz to fly the South African flag but there will be
stiff competition from the quality teams being represented.
In November
last year, when the field was announced for the event, Tania Fourie, CEO of the
Women’s World Cup of Golf, said the quality of the field again reiterated the
ability of the event to showcase the global depth and strength of the women’s
game.
"Every
year I think to myself that we can’t improve on the field we’ve had, and every
year we keep attracting some of the top players in the game. Our 2008 field
features a great selection of young stars and experienced campaigners who will
each bring their own individual brilliance to Sun City."
At the time, Carolyn
Bivens, Commissioner of the LPGA Tour, praised the tournament for once again
attracting some of the biggest names in women’s golf.
"We are thrilled to
kick-off the season at the 2008 Women’s World Cup of Golf. This event promotes
team unity for the top players from around the world representing their
countries."
Recently, there were
concerns when Lesley Copeman resigned as the Women’s World Cup of Golf
Operations Director to pursue other interests, including following her real
passion which is coaching golf.
Shortly afterwards, it
was announced that the Women’s World Cup of Golf’s media manager, Alison
Spratley had been appointed Managing Director.
gsport has known Alison
for a few years now and our impression of her is that she is driven by passion
and dedication and a real love for sport.
There is hardly ever a
time when she is unavailable to speak to the media. In fact, she made time
during her festive break for an interview with gsport to discuss her love for
marketing, how she got involved in golf, and what her plans are as MD of the
Women’s World Cup of Golf.
Alison, where does your love for golf come from?
I have a
passion for marketing, and have had the opportunity to work with many sport
disciplines including the Olympics, Rugby and
Cricket World Cups – when golf came up – I saw a brand opportunity, the game of
golf has grown on me.
How did you get involved with the Women’s World Cup
of Golf?
I have been
involved with women’s golf since 2001 when I was approached to handle the local
professional golf tour’s media. Once it became apparent that there would be a
World Cup in 2005, Tania Fourie, CEO of Women’s World Cup, said good news and
bad news – Good News we have the World Cup, bad news your local tour is one
week after the inaugural world cup – and you are my media manager for both!
Are you still involved with Brand Vision
Communications?
Absolutely –
As mentioned I have a passion for marketing – I started Brand Vision
Communications in 1998 and having the knowledge and skill within all facets of
marketing – this gives me the opportunity to have fun working on various brands
and in all sorts of sectors.
How does it feel to have been promoted to MD of the
WWC?
An absolute
honour to lead a team and work with supportive sponsors and suppliers, most of
whom I have known throughout my marketing career.
Are you still in charge of managing the media side
of things?
Yes indeed –
I really enjoy working with the sport media – the golf media in particular have
been phenomenal in assisting me grow the game in the eyes of the public.
What is the major challenge you face as a woman in
sport administration?
Throughout
my career in sport, I would have to say that it would be that it can be
frustrating at times when you know it can be done, you know how it should be
done, and yet one faces a number of red tape issues time and again – if all
believed that we have the talent in this country to stage major events, and
were given the freedom to put it all into action – the world would seriously
stand up and learn from our local heroes.
What have been some of your highlights over the
years?
Career wise
would be to have been involved in the Rugby World Cup 1995 program and watching
SA be crowned as champions; the 1996 Atlanta Olympics as National Marketing
Manager and taking 500 sponsor guests to the Games – and again seeing SA take
Gold in swimming and the marathon; being instrumental in staging the Women’s
World Cup of Golf, and achieving record high media exposure for the event.
What are you most looking forward to when the 4th
WWC gets underway in January?
Realisation
of yet another successful event – watching that final putt on the third day on
the 18th!
What’s it like working alongside Tania Fourie, who
has played a key role in the development and promotion of women’s golf in SA?
Inspirational
– Tania has a buzz that if bottled would make millions! She has the knack of
picking up on ideas and mostly ignores the red tape I mentioned earlier of
realizing her dreams.
What are your goals for 2008?
Successful
2008, alignment of new sponsors for the years ahead, and working with new
brands in new marketing realms.
How do you maintain balance with such a hectic
schedule?
I get HUGE
hugs from my family! My two girls, Holly 3 and Sarah 7, and husband Mike. Supportive
friends and colleagues, and unconditional love from my two dogs no matter what
time I get up or retire in the evenings – there is always love and support.
Who is your favourite female golfer and why?
There are a
number of female golfers that have what I call an essence of being – notably
one is that of Laurette Maritz – not matter where Lolly is always flying the SA
flag and doing so with finesse and with a smile – a true mentor to those in the
game.
What can spectators look forward to when they attend
the 4th WWC at Sun City?
New faces,
wide open challenges from 20 teams playing for pride of nation on a world-class
course. Ticket prices have remained the same since the inaugural event – R100
daily pass, R250 for the three days – bookings are through Computicket
nationwide – scholars under 16 get in for free. Don’t Miss Out!
What’s been the response to the event internationally?
The event is
seen as a unique one, one that is building year on year with exceptional
support from golfers around the world – we are getting emails from golfers in
countries that you don’t necessarily hear in the news wishing to participate in
the event – and from those that have as to hoping they qualify again!
What do you attribute to the success of the WWC
since its inception?
Its
uniqueness – the pull of a beautiful destination such as South Africa –
but it is a team event that gets all involved cheering for their particular
nation. Women’s golf is fun – albeit serious on the fairways, the event has an
air to it unlike no other.
If you weren’t involved with golf, what would you be
doing?
I would be
involved with another brand, more than likely sport, that I can help build and
grow!
What are your other favourite sports?
Cricket – a
big Proteas Fan, Rugby – a Sharks fan, but Tri
Nations, Super14 you name it – soccer particularly Spurs, there is more than
one supporter! Wimbledon Tennis, and the Olympics – its sort of got into my
blood!
How do you keep fit?
I have the
mountain bike, the will to go to gym – the bike is still in the back yard and
the gym hasn’t seen me for a while – battling to find the time to get back into
it all at present! But I guess my work and children are the backstop on keeping
fit!
Who are your role models?
Sir Richard
Branson – fascinated by his love or life and "just why not" attitude in
business.
What inspires you?
People who
love life – who struggle on through with a big heart and constant push for
others around them – there are quite a few like this in the WWC
sponsor and team ranks I am thrilled to say!
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