For the PGA of America, Whaley’s commitment has been proven. Prior to the election, the 51-yearold woman has also served as an instructor, commentator, and vice-president for the PGA of America for the last two years. “It feels great," said Whaley, who joined the PGA of America 17 years ago in search of more competitive playing opportunities. "You think about, you imagine it, you work so hard with so many people, as part of a group, as part as a team, that you lose sight of it. But today it was fun. It's wonderful to be in this position.
A huge responsibility, but I’m humbled and honored.” Whaley added that she has no specific agenda in place, just continuing what the association has been trying to do: grow the game. “We need to make the funnel as large as possible," said Whaley, as quoted by Golf Digest. “Our role now is, how do we lead and collaborate with all of those who are having that open funnel into the game, to get them with a PGA professional, to get them on the golf courses. Doesn’t have to be 18 holes.
Could be nine holes or going to the putting green with their daughter or son. That’s what we hope to do.” Whaley is not simply the first female at the PGA of America’s helm, she also became the first woman in 58 years to qualify for a PGA tournament when she made the 2003 Greater Hartford Open. The athlete has now broken her latest barrier when she was elected president of the PGA of America, the first woman to hold the position in the association. “Obviously the historic nature of it doesn't go past me," said Whaley. "I'm so honored and grateful to have that chance, and to have the trust of my 29,000 members and peers."
