Former ATP and WTA stars swapped their racquets for clubs during the BNP Paribas Open earlier this week, uniting for the first combined Member Alumni Golf event on Sunday and Monday.
In a fun-filled two days in California, ATP and WTA alumni showed off their driving and putting skills at the world-renowned Indian Wells Country Club, sharing jokes as they made their way around the course.
Approximately 100 people attended on Sunday, with 50 teeing it up on Monday. Alongside the golf, guests gathered at the Hyatt Regency and enjoyed a cocktail reception, while awards were distributed at lunch on Monday.
This is the fifth year that ATP members have gathered in Indian Wells for the event, but the first year that they have teamed up with WTA.
At Sunday’s cocktail reception, WTA President Micky Lawler and ATP SVP of Player Relations Fernando Sanchez delivered opening remarks to the guests, who enjoyed reconnecting with their peers and sharing their valuable thoughts on how the Tours can improve services to members and fans. ATP alumnus Tracy Delatte oversaw the announcement of golf pairings for the coming day.
Event awards are named in honour of former doubles World No. 1 Ken Flach, an avid supporter of the event in its early years and winner of the first edition’s lowest individual score. He passed away just days before before coming to play in 2018.
Katrina Adams, former player and former USTA President and CEO, captained the winning team. “It was an absolute honour winning the Inaugural ATP/WTA golf event,” Adams said. “Getting a chance to play and win with my peers was awesome. Ken Flach was a dear friend and someone I played World Team Tennis with. Having his name on the trophy gives me goosebumps. I can’t wait to defend the title next year.”
Scott Draper, who won the 1998 Queen’s Club title, won the men’s lowest individual score and longest drive. “It's great to be back at Indian Wells for the first time since my playing days,” Draper said. “It's a fantastic event and great to spend some time with friends enjoying the desert. It is an honour to win the Ken Flach award.”
Alumni ATP Player Advisory Council member Nico Pereira was present at both events and co-hosted the golf prize ceremony with Delatte. The BNP Paribas Open provided prizes to the successful golfers and also provided alumni members with complimentary tickets to the prestigious tournament.
“The ATP and WTA share a rich history and a commitment to promoting and growing the sport of tennis. This combined event is a unique opportunity to celebrate our history and strengthen our relationship with the many players who have contributed to our success over the years,” said Sanchez.
“We had a great experience,” Pereira said. “Adding the WTA to the event at Indian Wells was very gratifying. We believe moving forward, we will have a lot of success joining forces. The whole alumni group that participated and those that heard of it were very pleased with the addition.”
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