New WSNGA VP Tracey Blake Looks to Build Upon Momentum
Tracey Blake loves golf and is ready to take over as WSNGA vice president to help continue the momentum created by previous leadership. Here’s a quick question and answer with the new VP.
What is the first thing that comes to your mind about being the VP of the WSNGA?
It’s a privilege but also a huge responsibility being VP of the WSNGA because the women’s golf community here is large and growing. I know I must continue what’s in place and, I’m hopeful that I can help build women’s participation and the schedule of events in and around Las Vegas.
What is the first thing that comes to your mind about the WSNGA experience, overall?
The WSNGA is inclusive and welcoming — there is room for everyone.
Why is it important to serve in your role and give back to golf?
We all started at the same place— uncomfortable about how we looked and how we played. My first round I shot 154, yes that’s right a 154. I founded a women’s golf apparel company shortly after I began playing with one thing in mind — I wanted to help women look and feel great on the course. While I may be retired, that hasn’t really changed much. I still want women to feel great on the course and I want them to have confidence to go out and play and have fun. I started a golf blog for women (thewomangolfer.com) for that same reason, and I hope to be able to contribute through my position at the WSNGA.
What is your golf history?
I began playing when I met my husband — 25 years ago. He wanted us to be able to travel and play golf around the world. That has proven to be one of the foundations of our relationship.
I am now a 10 Index, but again, my first round I shot a 154. My most memorable round was a 79 at my old club in Denver on my last day there prior to moving full time to Las Vegas. I had a hole-in-one that day on what is most difficult course in Colorado for women (72.5/143). I’ve played in many tournaments around the country over the years, but probably one of the best was the four ball championship at Bandon that my husband and I played in and won 1st net — I was one of only two women who played in that event.
My hero are the women members at Lakewood Country Club in Denver. They mentored me and introduced me to playing competitively. They showed me what the golf community is really like and supported me inside and outside of golf. When I was paralyzed from the neck down in 2004 with Guillian Barre Syndrome, it was those women who supported me through not just the good times, but also the bad.
I have lived full time in Las Vegas for 3.5 years. Prior to that, we were non-resident members of TPC Summerlin and are now full time members at Red Rock Country Club. I love the camaraderie with the women here in Las Vegas and feel fortunate to be a part of this special community.
If you are writing this story, what is something you definitely need to have included?
People who visit Las Vegas, who only see the Strip or downtown, have no idea how welcoming Nevadans are and how many fun courses there are within the Valley. Fortunately, we had a small home here and lived here part-time for 12 years before moving here. We were able to learn how nice “locals” were before moving to Nevada.
