That was Boca’s very own pro golfer Morgan Pressel as the TV analyst and on-course reporter at the LPGA’s Drive On Championship at Golden Ocala.
“Pressel will continue to compete on the LPGA Tour in addition to providing analysis and insights for events such as the U.S. Women’s Open, Amundi Evian Championship, Solheim Cup and the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic,” the Golf Channel and NBC Sports announced.
Back home, Pressel and her husband of eight years Andrew Bush still live in St. Andrews Country Club here, where she was raised as a young teen by her grandparents after she lost her mother to breast cancer. Now she’s also known for her Morgan & Friends fundraiser there for the MammoVan and genetics testing at the Lynn Cancer Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.
Q: Were you surprised your first time as a golf commentator had so much buzz?
A: I had some positive comments from friends and people. I’m doing 10 events with the Golf Channel this season. I’ve done two so far. My next time is the Kingsmill championship at the end of May [May 20-23]. People can follow my social media.
Q: How did you like commentating?
A: I enjoyed it. It’s a different kind of challenge. It’s a new skill, not something I’ve studied, so I’m learning as I go and relying on my experience as a professional golfer.
Q: Will you take media lessons now?
A: Because I’m also playing, I haven’t delved into that, but I’m paying more attention and listening to what interesting things commentators say. A lot it is timing. There’s a lot to learn. I’m definitely thinking about it.
Q: Do you see yourself transitioning into that role later, when you have a family?
A: I’m only 32 now. In female sports, in order to carry a baby, you have to step away for a period of time. We’ll see what the future holds.
Q: I see you were able to have your annual Morgan & Friends fundraiser at St. Andrews in March, but not the usual fundraising dinner before the tournament starts.
A: I wasn’t able to bring other LPGA players to town or have the dinner or the press there. But we were happy we were still able to do things. So many charities were hit hard. Golf is such a safe sport. The St. Andrews’ community blows me away and continues to support the MammoVan and genetic testing. We raised $400,000 and we’re so grateful, even in these challenging times. https://morganpresselfoundation.com/
Q: Are you planning anything new with Boca Regional through your foundation?
A: We’re always talking to the hospital, what they might need. But money is still going to the MammoVan and genetic testing. It gives people right here access to truly groundbreaking healthcare and we’re happy to support that.
By Marci Shatzman
