An Interview with Alexandra O'Laughlin - Golf Channel Host

Alexandra O’Laughlin is an ambitious woman and a sensational sportscaster. She’s a popular host and commentator on the Golf Channel, a role that sees her travel the globe reporting on the sport we all love the most, golf.

Ladies Golf: How did you get the gig as golf correspondent & presenter for the Golf Channel?

Alexandra:  I’ve been in front of a camera since I was 3 years old. My first experience was in a Pizza Hut commercial, followed by years of modeling work. I was the face for North Face’s national campaign and closed the show with Tommy Hilfiger after walking the runway. These experiences along with my education in Broadcast Journalism, Radio/ TV Production and Electronic Media Production gave me the training and experience. Falling in love with the game of golf at 14 led me to find interest in golf course architecture, golf swing mechanics, course strategy and the history and origins of the game. This combination of experience and passion created a natural avenue into the golf world.

Ladies Golf: What’s your top 3 favourite golf tournaments in the world?

Alexandra: Ryder Cup. This event means a lot to me. While I was attending Ryder Cup at Hazeltine I set the goal of working at Golf Channel. During this time I was an associate producer at CBS News Radio in Chicago and I wanted golf to be a part of my everyday life again. The next Ryder Cup was outside Paris at Le Golf National....I was a part of the Golf Channel team and did interviews on the 1st tee. It was exactly what I dreamt up. Solheim Cup. I remember early on when I started playing golf watching Nelly and Jessica Korda (my now friends) playing on a Solheim Cup team together. I love the team environment and what Solheim Cup means to Americans and Europeans. Open Championship. The Open Championship has so much history. The course designs and the multitude of different shots hit is both exciting and enlightening. Most of the courses are links style and allow for many more shot options around the greens than the American courses we see so often on TV.

Ladies Golf: Have you explored much of Australia and what courses did you play here?

Alexandra: I know you visited us down under for the President’s Cup in 2019. It was absolutely incredible covering President’s Cup for Golf Channel at Royal Melbourne. When I’m working, I often get to explore nearby courses to feature but rarely play a full round. I did sneak in a full round at Metropolitan Club late one afternoon. I hit a lot of good shots....that rolled straight into those green-side bunkers haha. Q. Alexandra what’s your handicap? A. Not practicing enough with my busy travel schedule. However, I haven’t shot over 80 from the men’s tees in 6 months. When I practice for a few days I can shoot around par.

Ladies Golf: What other sports do you enjoy playing other than golf?

Alexandra: I moved to Tennessee earlier in the year and tried archery. It’s something very new and complex which I find interesting. I grew up playing soccer and basketball. Also, is Yahtzee a sport?;)

Ladies Golf: Do you ever get star struck when interviewing celebrity athletes?

Alexandra: No. I focus on the task hand...however, I’m not sure if “star-struck” is the right word...but at the end of the week when I have some free time I reflect on my interviews and the people I encountered and how incredible it is to speak to the top people in their respective field.

Ladies Golf: Who is the funniest male pro-golfer on tour?

Alexandra: Sung Kang.

Ladies Golf: What’s the most exotic golf course you have ever played?

Alexandra: After I covered Presidents Cup, I took a small plane to King Island (which has less inhabitants than my condo building) to stay and play at Cape Wickham. It was an odd feeling when I realized I was 9,800 miles from home. Definitely one of my top exotic golf experiences

Ladies Golf: Please share a few of your career highlights with your readers?

Alexandra: I am such a goal-oriented woman. Small or large goals both have significant meaning to me because it means I put the effort in. Whether it was breaking 70 for the first time or graduating college a year early while competing on the golf team, it all took determination and focus. I am excited to achieve my goals in 2021.

Ladies Golf: Your job requires you to be outdoors a lot. Do you have a regular beauty routine that incorporates sun safety?

Alexandra:  Sunscreen every day! I wear Clinique tinted sunscreen as the first layer on my face every morning.

Ladies Golf: Complete this sentence. “Golf Fashion in 2021 is……”

Alexandra: It’s always evolving, especially for me. I love putting together outfits. Definitely follow me on Instagram and I’ll show you the latest and greatest from all brands! @alexandraolaughlin

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[Image Credit: Jason Meyers]