Polly Clark, the European Solheim Cup Director and Partnerships Manager at the LET, has been an integral part of the European women’s professional golf landscape for over a decade. With the upcoming Solheim Cup just over a week away, Clark reflects on her journey in the sport, her experiences in the past three Solheim Cups, and her excitement for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in her fourth.
A lifelong connection to golf
Clark’s relationship with golf began at a young age, thanks to her grandmother, who introduced her to the sport when she was just eight years old. “I’ve been playing golf for a very long time, thanks to my nan,” Clark recalls. “It was one of those things where I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, but golf was always there.”
Her passion for the sport followed her through university, but it wasn’t until she stumbled upon a volunteer opportunity at a golf event that she realised the potential of a career in golf. “I didn’t know golf events were something you could work in. When I saw the opportunity, it was like a light bulb moment,” she says. This pivotal experience led her to meet people at the LET, which eventually opened the door to her first job in the organisation.
Climbing the ranks at the LET
Clark joined the LET as a Tournament Secretary 14 years ago. “I started out travelling a lot, handling membership services, tournament administration, and all that sort of thing,” she explains. Her role evolved over the years as she gradually worked her way up within the organisation, despite the challenges that come with advancing in a relatively small team.
By 2018, Clark had become the European Solheim Cup Director, with the 2019 Solheim Cup at Gleneagles marking her first time in this role. “It was one of the best tournaments I’ve ever been a part of,” she says, reflecting on her experience. “I felt very lucky to be a part of it. I never necessarily had real career aspirations, but when the job role came up internally, I was encouraged to go for it.”
Navigating the complexities of her role
As the European Solheim Cup Director and Partnerships Manager, Clark’s role is multifaceted and constantly evolving. “Day-to-day, my work varies greatly depending on the time of year,” she notes. In the lead-up to the Solheim Cup, her focus shifts heavily towards event staging, relationship management, and player liaison. “The other side of my job is in our commercial department, where I look after key accounts like adidas and work on new business opportunities.”
This diverse skill set is put to the test when managing the Solheim Cup, particularly when dealing with the differences between home and away matches. “This year is an away match, so we’re not responsible for the staging, ticketing, or marketing. We focus more on our own assets – our team, our sponsors, and our VIPs,” she explains.
Memorable Solheim Cup moments
Clark’s involvement in the Solheim Cup has been marked by several unforgettable moments, each one adding to her expertise and love for the event. The 2019 Solheim Cup at Gleneagles stands out as a career highlight. “It was one of the best-staged events at that time,” she says. The 2021 event, held during the Covid-19 pandemic, was a unique challenge, with roles shifting to meet the demands of the situation. “It was all hands on deck just to get things done that maybe never had needed to be done before.”
The 2023 Solheim Cup in Spain was particularly special for Clark, as it was the first project she led from start to finish. “It was a five-year project, and being involved every step of the way was very special to me,” she says. The close relationships the LET has with Spain and the event’s success made it a memorable experience.
Preparing for the 2024 Solheim Cup
As Clark gears up for her fourth Solheim Cup, she reflects on the challenges and excitement of preparing for an away match in the United States. The experience of the 2021 Solheim Cup, held during the pandemic with limited European fans, provided a unique insight into the dynamics of an away match. “It was strange, but the team spirit was incredible. It brought everyone closer together,” she recalls.
Looking ahead to this year’s event, Clark is aware of the challenges posed by a large and patriotic American crowd. “The LPGA does an incredible job at staging, and they’re expecting big numbers. I think it’s going to be a real patriotic feel, which will be great for their fans and their team,” she says. However, Clark is confident that the European team’s determination and experience will help them rise to the occasion. “Whichever team is the visiting team, the bigger crowds on the other side can tee you up a little bit, making you dig deeper.”
As she prepares to head to the United States, Clark remains optimistic and focused on the task at hand. Her passion for the sport and wealth of experience make her an invaluable asset to the LET and the European Solheim Cup team. “I love what I do, and I’m excited for what’s to come,” she says.
