Ex-caddie Scholar Now Coordinates Shoprite Lpga Classic

By Zack Alcorn

Bill Hansen had always wanted to work in the golf industry; he just didn’t know when he would end up there.

Today, Bill is the tournament coordinator for the ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer located at the Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club in Galloway, but his path into the golf industry wasn’t always clear.

As tournament coordinator, he works closely with LPGA players in arranging housing and transportation, and oversees volunteers and media.

The ShopRite Classic, featuring defending champion and World No. 1 player, American Stacy Lewis, returns to Seaview beginning Monday, May 27, through Sunday, June 2.

Hansen began his caddieing career at Echo Lake Country Club in Westfield when a neighbor of his recommended it as a summer job to him.

“I started caddieing for this neighbor of mine and he taught me ropes. Eventually when I moved up to double bags, I would still take one of his bags. He helped me out a lot.”

Caddieing would become more than just a summer job for Bill, it would be a passion, taking him all over the northeast.

Bill would go on to attend Cranford High School where he would compete on the varsity golf, baseball and track teams. “Out of the three sports I played, I thoroughly enjoyed golf the most, and we enjoyed success as a team.”

Bill learned out about the Caddie Scholarship Foundation while working at Echo Lake and by talking with other caddies.

“It seemed like a great opportunity. Any scholarship money I could use to help me get through college would be a huge help,” he said.

When Hansen found he was accepted to Boston College, one of his top choices, he knew the money he received was going to allow him to attend such a great school,

“I would not have been able to go to Boston College had it not been for the money I got from the Caddie Scholarship Foudnation.”

Caddieng played a vital role in Bill’s higher education, and he wouldn’t forget that.

Bill would continue to caddie, even through college, including at The Country Club in Brookline, Mass.

“Being able to caddie at and play a course like The Country Club, that has hosted events like the Ryder Cup and the U.S. Open, was almost better than the money I received for caddieing there,” Hansen stated. “Even better, was that occasionally I got to play there on days the course was closed. What could be better than that?”

Up until his final year of college, caddieing was the only job he ever really had.

After graduating from Boston College in 2001, Bill chose a full-time paying position at KPMG, a financial accounting firm. He also considered finding an internship or any sort of start in the golf industry. He just wasn’t sure about the timing.

After a decade working as transaction services director at KPMG, Hansen was looking for a different career path. “I had the itch… I knew I belonged in the golf industry.”

“I applied for a bunch of positions in the golf industry…and was denied by all of them. The message was the same. With no real tournament experience, I was really going to struggle,” he admitted.

“I ended up calling my current boss, Tim Erensen of the LPGA. I asked him what I could do to get a job in golf. He told me to volunteer and make my face known, so that’s what I did.”

That seemed to work well for Hansen.

“I volunteered at the Barclays at both Bethpage and Plainfield and did anything and everything I could. After that, I essentially had a double internship with the ShopRite Classic before becoming a full time staffer.

“It took about three years of volunteering and two years of internships, but I showed I was a hard worker and was willing to do anything to show I belong.”

When he was hired full time, Bill said “It felt like I finally made it. Now, it’s a dream come true.”

The ShopRite Classic has a rich history, dating back to 1986 when it was known as the Atlantic City Classic and has had a strong presence in the Atlantic City area.

Having the 28-year-old Lewis back in the field adds sparkle to this year’s ShopRite Classic. “The fact that Stacy Lewis is our defending champion and now she is number 1 in the world, it’s pretty special,” Hansen said.

He is happy to dispense advice about pursuing a career in the golf industry: “Volunteer at a bunch of different events, become a familiar face.

“Trust your gut and if golf is your passion and you really want to get into the industry, do it the right away…..work hard and keep meeting people”

Bill still caddies occasionally at the Manasquan River Golf Club in Brielle.

“To me, caddying is a fantastic job. Caddieing allowed me to learn the game, meet new people and make some great money.”

Zack Alcorn, a Seton Hall University graduate, is the NJSGA’s eight-month P.J. Boatwright Jr., Intern for 2013.