The LET’s 2019 Rookie Orientation Programme got started with a training workshop held at the Golf de Terre Blanche Hotel, Spa and Resort just before the first event on the LET Access Series schedule.
Twenty-two Rookies gathered in the hotel on the Tuesday evening, many of them meeting each other for the first time. After an introductory presentation, they took part in a number of ice-breaker activities that helped them to get to know each other.
The following day, the Rookies attended an inspiring and informative workshop that focused on the importance of developing their own personal brand. The session was led by Elisabeth Egnell, a former professional basketball player who is now a member of FIBA’s Players’ Commission, President of the Swedish women’s professional basketball league, TV commentator and the driving force behind the delivery of FIBA’s ‘HerGameHerRules’ campaign in Sweden.
During the workshop, the Rookies were provided with advice about how to develop their own set of values and how to make connections with fans, sponsors, promoters and others that will help them with the current and future careers. Elisabeth encouraged the Rookies to make sure they are prepared for the many opportunities they will be presented with, regardless of when and where those opportunities might arise.
After the session, Pasqualle Coffa commented: “The session was refreshing and inspiring. The timing was great as I have just connected with new management and we’re talking a lot about this at the moment. It was good to hear some different opinions.”
Hannah McCook from Scotland agreed that the session was useful saying: “It was definitely useful to have this information not just for now but for the future. It told us what we need to think about as we are trying to approach people and how we can find better ways to do that.”
The Rookie Orientation Programme exists to provide guidance and support to those joining the LET for the first time. It aims to ensure a smooth transition from amateur to professional golf and to equip players with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career as a professional sportsperson. The next gathering of the Rookies will be at the Lalla Meryem Cup in Morocco.
