F or almost three decades Kay Cockerill has been an on-camera mainstay at the Golf Channel. And though her work sometimes includes other events, she is primarily known as the long-time analyst, commentator and fairway reporter for television coverage of the LPGA.
A Bay Area native and resident, she's also won numerous awards for her charity and other efforts related to local golf. Whether it's serving as board member for the First Tee, or just making a phone call on behalf of Lydia Ko to set up an incognito bucket of balls at a Peninsula golf facility, it is a role that Cockerill has graciously undertaken as ambassador to all things golf in NorCal.
When asked about her longevity at the Golf Channel, "I've worked with probably 16 different producers over my years, and you have to learn how to adapt — what they like and what they don’t like," she replied, as she also credits her broadcast training and mentorship from Donna Caponi and Judy Rankin as keys to her staying power. "You have to not have an ego, and be able to roll with the different commentators. I liken myself rather than being a superstar of the telecast, I'm more of a utility player."
Over her career, both as a player and a broadcaster, she's seen the regimes of six different LPGA commissioners and witnessed first-hand the changing of the guard through multiple player eras. So, who does she think is best? "I really don’t like comparing eras, it's unfair, because the women at the highest-level today are there because of the foundation laid by those who came before them," she said. "Everything from nutrition, how you work out and care for your body, to how you choose your schedule, how far you hit the ball — and certainly the clubs and balls have changed too, all that didn’t happen overnight. All the great players of today, their teachers and mentors have gleaned something from the players of the past."
Having then, a particular expertise of both the locale and the competitors, she offers her picks for favorites, possibles and dark horses at the upcoming U.S. Women's Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
"Anna Nordqvist is one of my favorites," said Cockerill. "This is based on her recent play at the International Crown, and that she's won majors before, and won the British at Carnoustie, which is no easy feat." She also likes Lydia Ko, pointing to Ko's multiple wins at Lake Merced GC and her Bay Area ties via her husband and new membership at Olympic Club. "I think mostly however because of her short game and putting, explained Cockerill. "The greens at Pebble can frustrate people and you have to have a lot of patience, and be an inherently great putter with a lot of confidence to withstand the fact that you know you're going to miss a couple of 2 or 3 footers."
As for possibles, "I'm really liking Lilia Vu, although that's a lot to ask to win two majors in one season," said Cockerill. "But she's a California girl, and her game is tailored to playing Pebble well." Others in her mix include Minjee Lee (acknowledging that it's tough to repeat), and Patty Tavatanakit. "Certainly, her physical capabilities would lend me to say, yeah, she has a chance," concedes Cockerill. Among her dark horse picks, she cites Celine Boutier. "She's a very consistent ball hitter, and a tenacious strong-minded person, who I think would do very well at Pebble," said Cockerill. "I haven't seen Linn Grant play yet this year, but Linn is someone to watch for, she's the number one player on the LET, and has won five times, so look out for her!" Cockerill is also understandably high on Stanford's Rose Zhang, who won her LPGA Tour debut as a pro— “she's pretty spectacular!"
On the U.S. Women's Open being held at Pebble Beach, "it's monumental! I wish it would have happened 25 or 30 years ago, but whoever wins here, every single eyeball is going to be looking at this championship to see how the women play," exclaimed Cockerill. "There's going to be so many comparisons to what the men have done in the past, and now the women are going to be writing their own history."
For Ticket Information, Please Click Here