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Alison Whitaker: From Golf Course to Broadcast Booth
5/14/2025 7:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
DURHAM, N.C.-- Duke Athletics has long been a beacon of excellence, not only in competition but also in providing student-athletes with opportunities that extend far beyond their respective sports. Duke alumna and former professional golfer turned broadcaster, Alison Whitaker, has carved a unique path in the world of golf commentary.
Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledges that she never imagined television broadcasting would become a prominent part of her golf career.
"The thought would have crossed my mind, but I don't think the opportunity I would have expected it to come either the way it did or as quickly as it did, or if at all. So much of the commentary is dualistic in the fact that there's a broadcast role and a golf role," Whitaker shares.
With humility, she admits that while she could "talk the talk," she wasn't a 10-time LPGA winner or a Solheim Cup player -- credentials typically associated with golf commentators.
Yet, her story shows how chance and timing can align to create something extraordinary.
"The opportunities and how my career has moved and changed throughout that span is interesting, and that there's not many roles I haven't done now, shifted around, and now I'm doing the broadcast role pretty much full time for the most part. I probably do 80-90 percent of the events. I'm actually the broadcaster rather than the golf expert, even as a pro golfer myself, which is unique in that realm."
Her career in broadcasting began unexpectedly in 2014, while playing in a tournament in China. Whitaker recalled how it was her birthday and she had been really sick that season with vertigo and glandular fever. After finishing her round, she was approached by a broadcast team member, who asked if she could fill in on the broadcast that afternoon.
"One of the guys from the broadcast came over and said, 'Hey, a couple of people have recommended that you'd be good for commentary. Can you stick around and do some for us? Could you fill in this afternoon on the broadcast for a few hours?", recalled Whitaker.
Initially, Whitaker thought the broadcast team was seeking a European voice, which made sense given the Ladies European Tour's audience at the time. But as the day unfolded, she found herself behind the microphone. By the end of the event, she was offered a job for the following year, marking the start of her broadcasting career.
"I said, 'Look, I'll sit here for 30 minutes and have lunch, and then I'll be here if you can't find anyone, come get me.' So, I just hung out. I was in the Players' Lounge, and then he came back and he said, 'Yep, can you do it?' And then by the end of the day, they'd offered me a job for the next year. So that was kind of very fortuitous for me."
Over the years, Whitaker transitioned from an expert in the booth to a full-time broadcaster, a shift that came with its own set of challenges and rewards.
Having done nearly every role -- on-course commentary, interviews, and sideline work. Her experience includes covering men's golf events for Channel Seven in Australia and doing in-depth commentary for LPGA events across the globe.
Whitaker's ability to bridge the gap between the technical knowledge of a golfer and the storytelling of a broadcaster has allowed her to stand out in the crowded world of golf media.
"I think that it's really important to work in Australia, to work in women's golf. Like I said, I work more with the LPGA than I do with the LET, but that's mainly just a scheduling thing because of work in Europe. It's been a funny journey, but I've done it and now I'm mainly in the broadcast role. So, it's bizarre in that way that I've kind of jumped and how I've jumped the fence from golf to broadcasting."
Despite her success, Whitaker's passion for golf remains central to her role. Unlike many of her colleagues, who transitioned into broadcasting after reaching the peak of their playing careers, Whitaker's experience as a professional golfer is a foundation for her broadcasting work.
She's dedicated to telling the stories of the golfers she covers, humanizing their experiences, and revealing the personalities behind the players.
"I love being able to tell people's stories and to try and show off the personalities, because so many people on the golf course look miserable on the golf course, and if we don't know them, and if we don't transmit that they're one of the most fiercely loyal people, or they've got a great sense of humor so if you can't humanize those people, then the marketing tool that is television almost kind of works against them a little bit, rather than for them, in a way that it should. So I love being able to be part of that bit," Whitaker says.
Whitaker's relationships with the players she covers have been key to her success. With the women's game, she enjoys more time socializing and building connections, often meeting with players for dinners during events.
"The players on the LPGA Tour are my little sisters. So, it's very much so more of a family in the women's game. The guys have all been great. There aren't actually that many men's golf women that are in the box and there's no other woman that does full time currently, at least my role as the broadcast role. They have all male leads in the U.S., so getting that balance right is kind of interesting. So, it's me and the 65-year-old guys hanging out most nights and it's an interesting balance to try and get right," she laughs, referring to her colleagues in the broadcast booth.
When asked about the thrill of covering major events, Whitaker highlights her experience at the Olympics as a standout moment.
Broadcasting during the Tokyo Games was particularly memorable, as it took place in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, with no crowds and strict regulations.
"Being a part of the Olympics has been really cool. They run it very differently. So, the whole broadcast is incredibly foreign to what we usually do in golf. The one in Tokyo was bizarre, because it was right in the heart of COVID. There were no crowds and a lot of regulations on trying to get us in and out. So how much you can talk about one player over the other, like it has to be very balanced, measured, and they've got people watching the coverage to make sure that you're getting it right," she explained.
Now, as a full-time broadcaster, Whitaker continues to evolve in the role. She broadcasts on the Golf Channel and works across various international golf tournaments, offering insights into the game from both a professional golfer's perspective and as an experienced commentator.
However, Whitaker's journey shows that sometimes, the most unexpected opportunities can lead to the most fulfilling careers.
Whitaker's bond with Duke University and head coach Dan Brooks remains a significant part of her life, shaping both her athletic journey and her career path.
As a three-time All-ACC selection, she made a lasting impact at Duke, achieving six top-five finishes and 17 top-20 finishes in her collegiate career. In 2009, she earned a spot on the Golf Australia National Squad, solidifying her status as a rising star in the sport.
"I would love to drop in, see the school and come back, but I just don't have the luxury since being from so far away, which is sad. But Coach (Brooks) and I got along so well that I would never hesitate to call him up or to chase him down if I saw him from afar or anything like that."
Her college achievements also include an outstanding 2007-08 season, where she was named an Honorable Mention Golfweek All-American. She secured her first career win at the UCF Challenge, with a career-best round of 65.
That season, she earned two top-five finishes, three top-10 finishes, and four top-20 finishes, along with an All-ACC selection.
Her 2006-07 season was marked by her recognition as Golfweek Honorable Mention All-America and the ACC Freshman of the Year, with a stroke average of 75.03 and notable finishes, including tying for fifth at the UCF Challenge. As a team, she helped lead the Blue Devils to seven victories, including the ACC Championship, NCAA Regional Championship and the NCAA Championship.
Whitaker's off-course accomplishments include winning the Colorado Women's Golf Association Match Play Championship in 2006 and advancing to the semifinals of the U.S. Women's Amateur, where she defeated future Duke teammate Amanda Blumenherst. Her commitment to both academics and athletics, including her pursuit of a psychology degree with a minor in theatre studies, reflects her versatility.
This balance has played a key role in her post-college success.
Whitaker's time at Duke helped shape her as an athlete and broadcaster. The bond with Brooks and her teammates created a supportive and nurturing environment, both on and off the course.
The experiences at Duke, combined with her incredible journey in both golf and broadcasting, have come full circle, proving that her path to the broadcast booth was not only unexpected but also deeply rewarding.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils women's golf, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeWGOLF".
#GoDuke
Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledges that she never imagined television broadcasting would become a prominent part of her golf career.
"The thought would have crossed my mind, but I don't think the opportunity I would have expected it to come either the way it did or as quickly as it did, or if at all. So much of the commentary is dualistic in the fact that there's a broadcast role and a golf role," Whitaker shares.
With humility, she admits that while she could "talk the talk," she wasn't a 10-time LPGA winner or a Solheim Cup player -- credentials typically associated with golf commentators.
Yet, her story shows how chance and timing can align to create something extraordinary.
"The opportunities and how my career has moved and changed throughout that span is interesting, and that there's not many roles I haven't done now, shifted around, and now I'm doing the broadcast role pretty much full time for the most part. I probably do 80-90 percent of the events. I'm actually the broadcaster rather than the golf expert, even as a pro golfer myself, which is unique in that realm."
Her career in broadcasting began unexpectedly in 2014, while playing in a tournament in China. Whitaker recalled how it was her birthday and she had been really sick that season with vertigo and glandular fever. After finishing her round, she was approached by a broadcast team member, who asked if she could fill in on the broadcast that afternoon.
"One of the guys from the broadcast came over and said, 'Hey, a couple of people have recommended that you'd be good for commentary. Can you stick around and do some for us? Could you fill in this afternoon on the broadcast for a few hours?", recalled Whitaker.
Initially, Whitaker thought the broadcast team was seeking a European voice, which made sense given the Ladies European Tour's audience at the time. But as the day unfolded, she found herself behind the microphone. By the end of the event, she was offered a job for the following year, marking the start of her broadcasting career.
"I said, 'Look, I'll sit here for 30 minutes and have lunch, and then I'll be here if you can't find anyone, come get me.' So, I just hung out. I was in the Players' Lounge, and then he came back and he said, 'Yep, can you do it?' And then by the end of the day, they'd offered me a job for the next year. So that was kind of very fortuitous for me."
Over the years, Whitaker transitioned from an expert in the booth to a full-time broadcaster, a shift that came with its own set of challenges and rewards.
Having done nearly every role -- on-course commentary, interviews, and sideline work. Her experience includes covering men's golf events for Channel Seven in Australia and doing in-depth commentary for LPGA events across the globe.
Whitaker's ability to bridge the gap between the technical knowledge of a golfer and the storytelling of a broadcaster has allowed her to stand out in the crowded world of golf media.
"I think that it's really important to work in Australia, to work in women's golf. Like I said, I work more with the LPGA than I do with the LET, but that's mainly just a scheduling thing because of work in Europe. It's been a funny journey, but I've done it and now I'm mainly in the broadcast role. So, it's bizarre in that way that I've kind of jumped and how I've jumped the fence from golf to broadcasting."
Despite her success, Whitaker's passion for golf remains central to her role. Unlike many of her colleagues, who transitioned into broadcasting after reaching the peak of their playing careers, Whitaker's experience as a professional golfer is a foundation for her broadcasting work.
She's dedicated to telling the stories of the golfers she covers, humanizing their experiences, and revealing the personalities behind the players.
"I love being able to tell people's stories and to try and show off the personalities, because so many people on the golf course look miserable on the golf course, and if we don't know them, and if we don't transmit that they're one of the most fiercely loyal people, or they've got a great sense of humor so if you can't humanize those people, then the marketing tool that is television almost kind of works against them a little bit, rather than for them, in a way that it should. So I love being able to be part of that bit," Whitaker says.
Whitaker's relationships with the players she covers have been key to her success. With the women's game, she enjoys more time socializing and building connections, often meeting with players for dinners during events.
"The players on the LPGA Tour are my little sisters. So, it's very much so more of a family in the women's game. The guys have all been great. There aren't actually that many men's golf women that are in the box and there's no other woman that does full time currently, at least my role as the broadcast role. They have all male leads in the U.S., so getting that balance right is kind of interesting. So, it's me and the 65-year-old guys hanging out most nights and it's an interesting balance to try and get right," she laughs, referring to her colleagues in the broadcast booth.
When asked about the thrill of covering major events, Whitaker highlights her experience at the Olympics as a standout moment.
Broadcasting during the Tokyo Games was particularly memorable, as it took place in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, with no crowds and strict regulations.
"Being a part of the Olympics has been really cool. They run it very differently. So, the whole broadcast is incredibly foreign to what we usually do in golf. The one in Tokyo was bizarre, because it was right in the heart of COVID. There were no crowds and a lot of regulations on trying to get us in and out. So how much you can talk about one player over the other, like it has to be very balanced, measured, and they've got people watching the coverage to make sure that you're getting it right," she explained.
Now, as a full-time broadcaster, Whitaker continues to evolve in the role. She broadcasts on the Golf Channel and works across various international golf tournaments, offering insights into the game from both a professional golfer's perspective and as an experienced commentator.
However, Whitaker's journey shows that sometimes, the most unexpected opportunities can lead to the most fulfilling careers.
Whitaker's bond with Duke University and head coach Dan Brooks remains a significant part of her life, shaping both her athletic journey and her career path.
As a three-time All-ACC selection, she made a lasting impact at Duke, achieving six top-five finishes and 17 top-20 finishes in her collegiate career. In 2009, she earned a spot on the Golf Australia National Squad, solidifying her status as a rising star in the sport.
"I would love to drop in, see the school and come back, but I just don't have the luxury since being from so far away, which is sad. But Coach (Brooks) and I got along so well that I would never hesitate to call him up or to chase him down if I saw him from afar or anything like that."
Her college achievements also include an outstanding 2007-08 season, where she was named an Honorable Mention Golfweek All-American. She secured her first career win at the UCF Challenge, with a career-best round of 65.
That season, she earned two top-five finishes, three top-10 finishes, and four top-20 finishes, along with an All-ACC selection.
Her 2006-07 season was marked by her recognition as Golfweek Honorable Mention All-America and the ACC Freshman of the Year, with a stroke average of 75.03 and notable finishes, including tying for fifth at the UCF Challenge. As a team, she helped lead the Blue Devils to seven victories, including the ACC Championship, NCAA Regional Championship and the NCAA Championship.
Whitaker's off-course accomplishments include winning the Colorado Women's Golf Association Match Play Championship in 2006 and advancing to the semifinals of the U.S. Women's Amateur, where she defeated future Duke teammate Amanda Blumenherst. Her commitment to both academics and athletics, including her pursuit of a psychology degree with a minor in theatre studies, reflects her versatility.
This balance has played a key role in her post-college success.
Whitaker's time at Duke helped shape her as an athlete and broadcaster. The bond with Brooks and her teammates created a supportive and nurturing environment, both on and off the course.
The experiences at Duke, combined with her incredible journey in both golf and broadcasting, have come full circle, proving that her path to the broadcast booth was not only unexpected but also deeply rewarding.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils women's golf, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeWGOLF".
#GoDuke
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