Episode 32
From Soup Cans to Fame with Amy Alcott
In this conversation, Paige and David sit down with Amy Alcott, a World Golf Hall of Fame member and one of the most accomplished players in LPGA history. Born in Kansas City and raised in Santa Monica, Amy's 35-year professional career yielded 29 LPGA Tour victories, including 5 major championships. Known for her creative shot-making and "go for the pin" style of play, Amy pioneered the iconic tradition of winners jumping into "Poppie's Pond" at the Kraft Nabisco Championship (now the Chevron Championship) and has since transitioned into golf course design, working with renowned architect Gil Hans on projects including the course for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Amy shares her journey from a golf-obsessed child hitting balls into soup cans in her front yard to becoming one of the sport's greatest players. She discusses her early development under coach Walter Keller, her competitive mindset, the challenges women faced in a male-dominated sport, and her philosophy on handling pressure and maintaining consistency. Amy also reflects on her post-touring career in golf course design, her coaching experience at Harvard-Westlake School, and the evolution of women's golf from her pioneering days to the global phenomenon it has become today.
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Episode Takeaways:
Amy began playing golf at age 7 after watching golf shows on TV, despite no one in her family playing the sport.
Her father cut down a golf club with black duct tape for her first practice club, and she turned her front yard into the "Alcott Golf and Country Club" with soup cans as targets.
She was coached primarily by Walter Keller, who taught her indoors hitting into a net in front of a mirror without video equipment.
Amy won the U.S. Girls' Junior Championship and California State Championship before turning professional immediately after high school.
She initiated the iconic tradition of jumping into the lake (now known as "Poppie's Pond") after winning the Kraft Nabisco Championship in 1988.
Her "go for the pin" playing style and willingness to be herself in a traditionally conservative sport helped change women's golf.
Amy emphasizes that consistency, not just winning, defines greatness in golf: "Consistency is greatness. Winning is just a byproduct."
She discusses the challenges women faced in golf's male-dominated culture and the progress made in women's sports.
After her touring career, Amy transitioned to golf course design, including working on the course for the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
She advises new golfers to start with used clubs, find a teacher they connect with, and focus on fundamentals rather than expensive equipment.
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