Former Gov. Whitman To Speak At USGA


May 13, 2004

Far Hills, N.J. - Christine Todd Whitman, former governor of New Jersey and administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, will speak at the United States Golf Association at 7 p.m. on May 18. Whitman, a lifelong golfer, will speak about her experiences with the game and how they have intersected with her duties at the state and national level. The event is open to the public and free of charge.

Whitman, an accomplished sportswoman in a variety of activities, recently recorded her first career hole-in-one April 18 in Bernardsville, N.J.

"I knew I had hit a decent shot," she told The Associated Press.  "[But] the last place I looked was in the hole."

Whitman served as the 50th Governor of New Jersey - the first female ever to hold that position. As governor and administrator of the EPA from 2001-2003, Whitman was involved in numerous golf-related activities, including the EPA's "Golf and The Environment" initiative.

Prior to becoming governor, Whitman headed the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and the Somerset County Board of Freeholders. She grew up in Hunterdon County, N.J., and earned a bachelor's degree in government from Wheaton College in Massachusetts.

"The USGA is proud to welcome Governor Whitman to Golf House," said Dr. Rand Jerris, director of the museum. "We are thrilled to share our passion for the game with a person, like Governor Whitman, whose enthusiasm is so evident.  And we are equally motivated to provide compelling events at Golf House that encourage appreciation for the game's history."

Golf House, the United States Golf Association's Museum & Archives, is home to the world's largest collection of artifacts, memorabilia and literature on the game, dating from the 1400s to present day.  The museum is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.  For directions to Golf House, please visit www.usga.org .

For more information about this and other educational programs at Golf House please contact David Normoyle, coordinator, Education and Outreach at (908) 234-2300 x1475 or dnormoyle@usga.org .