@LPGACommish using social media platform to showcase Golf’s Global Tour
TWEET IT! Welcome @LPGACommish Mike Whan to the Twitterverse!
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA, January 28, 2013 - In response to repeated encouragement from players and fans, LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan has now joined Twitter to provide a unique behind-the-scenes look at Golf’s Global Tour. Whan’s Twitter handle, @LPGACommish, will complement the growing popularity of @LPGA, as well as the Tour’s Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest pages.
"I'm not sure what will be more challenging, asking the players to teach a 48 year old how to Tweet… or keeping my Tweets to 140 characters," Whan said. "I view this as a chance to listen to fans on a pretty regular basis."
Whan officially launched his Twitter on Friday during the launch press conference for the International Crown, an announcement that garnered 2.5 million impressions on Twitter.
"With so many exciting things going on at the LPGA, who better to hear from than Mike Whan," said Kraig Kann, the LPGA’s Chief Communications Officer. "Our fans sent us some great ‘handles’ for him to consider and everyone liked @LPGACommish, so that's what he's chosen. He'll share insight into our tour... and I guarantee he'll have some fun with it."
VIDEO: SEE KANN INTERVIEW @LPGACOMMISH ABOUT JOINING TWITTER
The LPGA Tour opened its social media outlets earlier this month to fans asking for Twitter handle suggestions for the Commissioner. Following an outpouring of witty and creative responses, Whan listened to the Tour’s fanbase and decided on the most popular submission.
The Tour looks to continue its successful "See Why It’s Different Out Here" marketing campaign and an innovative approach to social media in 2013. Last season, the Tour debuted a first-of-its-kind program, which began displaying players’ Twitter handles on their caddies’ bibs for fan visibility. Thanks to efforts like the caddie bib program over the past year the Tour, its tournaments and its players have collectively seen a 74 percent increase in Twitter followers and Facebook fans. LPGA’s Twitter account (@LPGA) saw a 113 percent increase in followers in 2012.
"The addition of Mike Whan to the Twitterverse is a testament to the transparency the LPGA prides itself in," said Christina Kim, a member of the LPGA’s Player Communications Committee. "It shows how the LPGA wants interaction with and suggestions from fans and sponsors. I am looking forward to seeing how the entire organization further entices people to See Why It’s Different Out Here."