and you know, I told him like, Listen, I’m really not that great at golf. But uh, luckily, my very first one with a driver, like was up in the air, first and foremost, like I did. And all the thoughts after that were pretty rough. But that one shot was what kept me coming back. And I remember going back to the range the next day by myself, and I’m like, okay, like, I gotta get better. I want to be able to play golf with him. And I never thought Golf was going to be a career Avenue. I mean, I just did and I was a nursing major through most of my time at UCF, believe it or not. I just put myself through school, I worked a bunch of different trade shows. I did car commercials, fitness, infomercials, but nothing really sports related, and certainly not sports broadcasting. But Golf Channel was kind of in my backyard here right in Orlando. And when I heard that they were looking for some new hosts, and they had this show called “Top 10” do you know, why not? And so I started heavily taking lessons at that point, because I was working with a swing that had like a softball step through to it. So I was very, very self-taught. You know, once I just started taking lessons like golf, you know, it bit me and I’ve never looked back. 

Mackenzie Mack: That’s awesome. 

Lauren Thompson: It’s interesting. 

Mackenzie Mack: It is very interesting. So you, you started in broadcasting. How did you even get into broadcasting? Was that “Top 10” show your first step into that? Or, were you doing some things before that?

Lauren Thompson: I was doing some things before that. So I worked with I’m trying to think of what my very first actual like TV job was, because I did commercials and things along those lines and some catalog work and just to have to put myself through college, I was doing anything I could possibly do to avoid taking out student loans. So I’m like, you know, I love working. I love the adrenaline rush of being onstage and I worked the Microsoft show and I got to introduce Bill Gates back in the day and that was pretty neat. But then TV was I believe the first audio job I had was with fight TV and it was called “Total Nonstop Action Wrestling”. And I was not in the ring wrestling, but I got to interview all the wrestlers. And that was an interesting job because I learned about what kind of athletes they were and you know, wrestling I don’t think I’m breaking any news here. You know, it’s a lot of scripted storylines. And when you see them rehearsing their matches in the ring that day, we would do our interviews, I would watch them work out, I would watch them with their physios and I just gained a lot of respect for these wrestlers. And then a lot of them also happened to love the game of golf. So right around that time, I’ve been working with Spike TV for a couple of years that’s on Golf Channel called. And it was so funny because the wrestlers were like, you know, you got to see my swing more. And if you get on there and like you need some guys, you know someone around that or force them or whatever. I’m your man. So Booker T is the one that I’m thinking about right now because he’s got an awesome swing as well, the whole the whole Cogan, people talking about him all the time. So yeah, all those guys stars in the ring and they’re also pretty good on the golf course as well.

Mackenzie Mack: Do they try to swing extra hard, or, like…?

Lauren Thompson: They’ve got all the same bad golf habits that so many of us do. But they’ve got all the extra muscle as well to kind of back it up. It’s funny, I’m always so impressed with athletes who, you know, they’re just so like beefy, I mean, you get out there and you see them and for them to have the flexibility and to be able to do shoulder turns and you know, have a decent golf swing that’s mechanically sound and technically sound. It’s just so impressive when you see them out there. Johnny Dame is one of them that I’ve played a bunch of golf with him before. Oh my gosh, I mean, there’s countless athletes out there where you just watch them and you’re so impressed to their sport, that clearly gave them the name that they have, and then also how good they are on the golf course as well.

Mackenzie Mack: What was your most memorable moment covering wrestling?

Lauren Thompson: Oh Lord, that’s an interesting question. So there was this group, and it’s these girls, and they’re called the beautiful people. And you know, they’re catty and they’re always you know, they’ve got a ton of enemies and, and they’re always like, decked out and dolled up and all the glitzy stuff. So they just the storyline was that they hated me. And I didn’t like interviewing them. And this is around the time where I was about to make my exit. From Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, I was going to focus on Golf Channel full time, even though both companies told me they’re like, listen, we can work around each other’s schedules. You don’t have to pick or choose. But I just decided at the time that I wanted to focus on golf. They staged this big fight. We’re actually I had to Slack one of them. And I never done like. And so Angelina Love was the girl’s name. And I remember beforehand, I’m like, I don’t know what I’m doing. And she’s like, just go for it. Like when we’re alive. And we’re out there in the arena, just go for it. And I’m pretty sure I like almost missed her a little bit. I’m like, kind of. So I was supposed to slap her and then walk off. And that was like my big exit from wrestling. So that is probably one of my most memorable moments, because I was terrified about that whole moment. It was scary.

Mackenzie Mack: Not I would say that memorable. Like, how could you slap somebody’s like, oh my gosh.

Lauren Thompson: I know but it’s fun, you know, and you learn these things about other sports and I’m a sponge and I just want to soak up all the info I can get. And so that time with Total Nonstop Action with Spike TV was priceless, and I would never take it back for the world.

Mackenzie Mack: Got you. So don’t make you upset. Notice.

Lauren Thompson: I don’t know being an intimidating person but it’s pretty fun, though to take on an alter ego and to be a part of those storylines.

Mackenzie Mack: Absolutely. So after that you give to Golf Channel, you spent 10 plus years there. What were some of your most memorable times at that show?

Lauren Thompson: Overall, the people were just incredible. I mean, being that I was relatively new in the first place to the game of golf, and that they welcomed me with open arms and they knew that I was taking on the game for the first time they knew my motivation to take on the game not just back in the college days to be able to hang out with some of the friends and the boyfriend who introduced me to golf also but you know the ties that it had to my dad and I remember telling people those stories and everyone wants to take you out for a round or just to play nine holes or go out to the range and hit a bucket of balls and they were just so welcoming the viewers were welcoming the other on air talent a Golf Channel. They were really welcoming. Morning drive though was the glory days for me. I mean that team we had Gary Williams and Damon Hack and Paige Mackenzie and Amanda Blue and Hearst was on the show a bunch and Matt Janella and Charlie Rhymer and like If that was just a real family, and then viewers all the time would say, maybe like, you know, do you guys really like each other as much as you seem to like each other on air, you know, because we got this idea that, you know, the lights go off, and you guys are done for the day. And you know, you guys aren’t really friends. And it could not have been further from the church. I mean, we just genuinely loved each other and care for each other and would hang out with each other’s families. And I remember going to Paige Mackenzie’s house in 2020, for the Masters, and we all watched it together there. And there were kids running around in the backyard, and you know, beers and snacks and the whole thing and, and I’m like this, this can end I mean, this is just the best ever so long to have a show like that. And a crew like that, where you’re setting the table for golf every day for the viewers. And you’re not just talking about what you’ve seen from the pros, but you’re also talking about, you know, tips and you’ve got instructors, you got Travis Fulton and other people coming on, and Golf Channel Academy coaches, and golf tech coaches, they’re all joining us on the simulator to break down you know how to make a shot a little bit easier. We’re talking Junior Golf, we’re talking clothing you know, the whole nine. So we covered all the bases. We did it? Well, there’s no sense in being sad about it being over, you just have to be happy that it all happened and that it was part of your life and just be grateful for it.

Mackenzie Mack: Absolutely. I really enjoyed the show. And I actually was blessed to be a guest a couple times with juniors

Lauren Thompson: I remember that.

Mackenzie Mack: But some of my juniors who still talk about it to this day. So definitely change lives and so happy that it was producing happened. So since it has ended, what are you doing now?

Lauren Thompson: I wasn’t too quick to try and find my next step right off the bat, we had a lot of things come up in 2020, that kind of showed me that I needed to take some time off. I always tell my husband, I’m like, you know, maybe it was a prayer and answer to a prayer that I never said. But maybe I needed a little bit of a break. It’s summer 2020, my son Nick, who’s now four years old, he’s going to be five in July, but he was two and a half. And we found out that he’s on the autism spectrum. He’s super high functioning. But again, it does have its challenges. And we want to use every possible resource that is available for him so that he can, you know, make the best life possible for himself, which is easy to do, because he’s such a fun loving kid, and he loves people and he’s affectionate, all these things. But it did take time to you know, find the right therapists and to get them in the right groups and to make sure that the schooling he’s receiving is the best for him. So in a way, it allowed me to have that time with family to do the things that I needed to do as a mom. But at the end of 2020 NBC Sports next popped in and at the time, it was you know, labeled with golf now. And they told me, you know, listen, we need to host for different roundtable discussions, social media content, different projects that we have, like a product we have called clubhouse bulletin, which does literally Virtual Newsletters, Video Newsletters that are produced in the old Golf Channel studio for their members. And it just boosts your member communication within a private club, we’ve got probably 45 different clubs that we do that for every month. So it’s fun. I mean, I’ve been able to stay inside the golf arena. And under the NBC Universal umbrella. I’m hosting a bunch of golf events, which is awesome because I still get to hang out with the players and chat with them and see what they’re up to. I get to play a lot of golf events as well. We’ve got a cool event going on today. We’ve got another event next week in Clearwater for the troops so I’m just getting out there playing a lot of golf, playing golf with my family. Things that I didn’t necessarily have the time or maybe necessarily didn’t have the energy to deal with being an alarm back in the morning drive days. So yeah, all of those things that’s my day to day right now.

Mackenzie Mack: Got to everything happens for a reason. 3am, my alarm doesn’t even go to 3am.

Lauren Thompson: Oh my God.

Mackenzie Mack: I could not do that job

Lauren Thompson: It’s so crazy. And I remember I’m filling in back in the day. I’m talking like Season Two of morning drive. It was a brand new show. They were in the old brick studio. And I remember here and there I was, I would fill in if one of the cast members wasn’t available that day. And I told myself, I will never do this show mark my words like this is a lifestyle change. You have to go to bed early, which I just somehow never really learned how to do even years after joining the show officially. But you know when you love the people you work with. That alarm is pretty rough for the first five minutes. But once you’re up and you’ve got your coffee and maybe you’ve got your second or third cup of coffee and you’re driving to work and it’s dark and no one’s on the road and you pull in and you’ve got this group that’s just happy to talk golf for a living. And you realize that every day, you know, there’s certain days where you have to kind of give yourself a pep talk and remind yourself that it’s not that bad. If you’ve got to wake up early. If that’s the hardest part about your day, then you’re doing all right. But you’ve got your other days where you know, you’re just beyond thankful to be doing that. And then you’re driving home from work and, you know, maybe 11 o’clock in the morning, and your day is done. So it’s not too shabby. As long as you can nap, you could do that show. It was easy after that. 

Mackenzie Mack: Because I’m good at napping.

Lauren Thompson: Me too. Like, I can sleep anywhere, put me in like the corner of an airport or like sitting up right in the seat, and I can sleep.

Mackenzie Mack: Got you. So if our listeners wanted to get into broadcasting, what are some tips you would give them to dive in?

Lauren Thompson: Okay, all right. So my very best one sentence piece of advice is “Don’t burn any bridges”. Go out there, meet as many people as you can take on as many opportunities as you can get in touch with any and all networks, the big ones that you think will never call you back the small ones that you think, you know, maybe I can get some experience here and get some work under my belt work with anyone and everyone never say no to an opportunity. You know, you go out there and you think you’re gonna make a million dollars, and you’re gonna be your rock star, and you’re gonna have a hair and makeup crew and this that. And the other thing. And that is just not the truth. When you’re first starting out. I mean, I did so many jobs where I was changing my car, going to one job and you know, trying to touch up makeup here and there, or, you know, they’ve gotten really old equipment and things aren’t working out. And we’ve got technical issues going on left and right jobs where you’ve got to drive four or five hours to Miami from Orlando, and you’re not getting paid, but you’ve got a really good interview for your demo reel that would make you really shine to some of the other networks that you would want to work with. So um, I would tell them to really put their nose out there, take any and all jobs so that you can you know, sharpen your teeth on all assignments, all different kinds, you know, things sports, entertainment, cars, I mean, whatever, like take it all on, shake as many hands as you can follow up with people that you work with. Maybe you week after you’ve got that assignment done, you know, don’t be a stranger, maybe pop in, give them an email, tell them how much fun you have working with them. That is my best kind of all-inclusive advice right there. And to reach out to other people that you admire. I mean, I’ve got, I’ve got tons of college interns that write me or want to just have like a five minute phone call, or they want me to look at their demo reel and just kind of see what I think and, and so do that. I mean, don’t be shy to reach out to people, because it’s always worth it when your dreams are what you’re chasing.

Mackenzie Mack: Absolutely. So you’ve mentioned demo reel in this age of social media and you people creating their own videos and doing their own commentary. Do you recommend that for somebody who maybe can’t get on a show, or what do you suggest for those reels?

Lauren Thompson: Absolutely. I mean, especially in this day and age, I mean, probably 20 years ago, when I was really getting out there and you know, putting my best foot forward a demo reel was all you have. And that was like a disc that you would literally mail out to different networks. And maybe they get it maybe they don’t, hopefully it doesn’t end up in a trashcan somewhere. But now you can put yourself out there on social media so easily. And I mean, every single day, you could create content for anything. I mean, you could go out in your yard and try and hit chip shots here and there and edit the video together and make it look really good and pop that out on social media. You’ve gotten LinkedIn if you want to go the more business route, talk about what you’re doing on there. But absolutely, social media is priceless. And it is a priceless tool for people these days. I would advise people to get on there to have consistency with your content, try and put a few things out every single week, if not every day. I know that’s hard to do. And a lot of times you’re struggling to create a schedule of content just so you can’t put stuff out every day. But also be mindful what is out there because once it’s out there, you can never take it back. So you know be careful about the things that you post and if it’s something that maybe 10, 12 years from now you don’t want showing up again and don’t put it out there because it’s gonna find you.

Mackenzie Mack: That’s really good advice, because he can’t take it back. And the most important question about being a potential broadcaster is, is there a broadcast your like voice school because I feel like broadcasts are always have this voice. Like is that are you born with that or is there a school that I should register for?

Lauren Thompson: Oh, that’s funny. So my son always jokes around, my oldest, he is eight years old. And he’s like, Mom, you sound different when you’re like on TV versus when you’re talking to me or talking like this to you guys and it’s true. I mean, I don’t know what it is, it’s just something about like, that camera goes on, and you’re smiling and you got your posture going. And for some reason you’re projecting, like more than usual, which I think is good. I mean, I think definitely having a smile changes how you sound. And I think it changes the energy that you’re putting out there to everybody else. And I’ve always want to be as positive as I possibly can. I mean, I just feel like that’s kind of a motto in life. And that certainly trickles down into work as well. But it’s funny because I was like, literally bullied for my voice back in like middle school. I mean, I had guys telling me that I had a really low voice for a girl. And I remember that really bothering me. And I went to private school, and we had choir practice, and you’re in choir, and I, like, always wanted to be a soprano. And my teacher is like, you’re so not sorry, like, it’s just not where you are, you’re definitely an alto, you got a really low range. And I do and that’s, you know, what, that’s my voice and, and, you know, fast forward to trying to get on air and trying to be on TV. And in a weird way, I feel like that helped, because I didn’t have this, like, you know, voice that people may be expected. I don’t even know if that’s the thing, but um, I guess I sounded a little differently than people thought I would sound. And you know what, that’s my voice. I can’t change it. It is what it is. And if it’s a little low, then that’s fine. So I think in a way it helps. So just be you be yourself have positive energy. And yeah, that broadcast, your voice probably is going to come out.

Mackenzie Mack: Now that’s an amazing story to hear that. It is something like it’s your signature now, right? It’s something. So anybody that’s trying to get into broadcasting, what can they expect from a pay range and salary range? 

Lauren Thompson: Oh, that is tricky. Well, I certainly I can tell, I can promise you that I was not making six figures right off the bat, even with Golf Channel, you know, they see the NBC Sports logo, and they just assumed that that’s going to be megawatt dollar signs, but absolutely everyone, it has got to start somewhere. And they’re not going to offer you this massive contract right off the bat. What I will tell people, and this is advice for men, for teenagers, for anyone, but certainly for women, you have got to negotiate. I mean, people expect you to negotiate this is important. If you’re trying to get into sales, this is definitely important. If you’re trying to get into broadcasting, too. They put that number out there. And you know, let’s just say let’s say it’s 75,000 for the year, and they expect you to they want you to come back with another number. So never take the first offer, no matter what understand your worth, maybe do some research on whatever industry it is that you’re trying to get into. But also when you’re just starting, you know, don’t ask for some megawatt contract, you got to work your way in there, it’s probably going to be a one to two year contract. Golf Channel was big on three year contracts most of the time, with built in raises every year. But I mean, nothing too crazy. I mean, I can tell you, it wasn’t a million dollar contract. But I would tell everyone to not take the first offer and to say, you know, listen, I’ve worked really hard to get here and I believe that I have proven myself. I hope that I can prove myself to you guys, this is what I think I’m worth. And there you go. And I promise you, you will get a positive reaction.

Mackenzie Mack: Good advice. Yes, negotiating is hard. It’s hard because you want the job, but you want what you worth? And so it’s like, do I just take it, do I not? So definitely good advice. And so you mentioned women, and when you Google golf broadcasters or sports broadcasters in general, it’s very one sided. It’s a lot of white males. So what advice would you give to the industry? Or, what do you think needs to happen to change that and have more use in the industry?

Lauren Thompson: Yes. So as especially in golf, it always had that. I mean, that connotation, that reputation. I mean, you turn on the TV, and you’re going to see two white guys sitting at a desk just talking, they’re probably going to be between 50-65 I would say, you know, that was kind of the norm and taking it back to watching golf, TV and golf broadcasts with my grandfather when I was a kid, and I just kind of assumed that it was only men who did sports broadcasting. I do think that we have made some huge leaps and bounds in recent years, especially to get the needed diversity to represent what actual people look alike when you’re walking around in this world and, and to have that on TV as well, because it resonates with people, it resonates with kids, it resonates with adults, we’ve made big changes in the game of golf, no doubt. But I always think there’s still more work to do. It’s just a constant tug that we need to have and a constant mindfulness that we need to have of having women and having diversity across the board, with ethnicities, with kids, with adults. And then it all comes together. And it helps grow the game in ways that I don’t think people can even imagine. We know that it grows the game. Of course, it does but I think to have that on regularly and consistently, is very big. Now I remember, Erin Andrews was, you know, a big deal when I was coming into sports broadcasting. And before I saw her, I remember thinking, I mean, I didn’t even think about sports broadcasting because I didn’t see a lot of women doing it. And then she kind of is the one that comes to mind for me that took it and knew the product, she knew the game of football, and she could talk it with the best of the best. And she could go toe to toe and she didn’t look scared, she looked confident she looked prepared, and knowledgeable. And I know that she grew up with a football background, and she and her family would watch football all the time. She kind of grew up with it around her. But you know, she got so much respect for that. And I remember thinking, all right, like, that’s someone who knows what they want to do, does the research to be prepared and that’s why they’re so confident doing it. And I just admire that process.

Mackenzie Mack: Absolutely. And I hopefully, with this podcast, people hear your story and be inspired to because we need more of that understand that this is an option, because I’m sure there’s other girls and that were like us, I don’t think this you know, that’s something I can do. So hopefully we can inspire the next generation of female broadcaster. 

Lauren Thompson: We just did a really cool clinic with the First Tee at Bay Hill for the Arnold Palmer Invitational. And I mean, these little girls that were coming through, they were so funny. And they were like, you know, are there any other girls who are working? And I’m like, oh yeah, this time. And so I busted out my phone. And I started scrolling. And I showed them Tisha who does like she just tricks shot artists, and she’s incredible. And you know, all sorts of people who just, I think, will demonstrate to these girls how fun the game of golf is, how fun sports are, and how you can play these, you know, just for fun as a hobby. But you can also make a real career out of it. And it’s exciting. And it’s fun, and to be able to have that as your job is awesome. And so I got to tell them a little bit about that, and tell them how I got my start. And it’s pretty cool to see little girls like their faces light up when they hear about this.

Mackenzie Mack: Awesome, awesome. O you’re a trailblazer.

Lauren Thompson: I feel like I’m following the trail. Now, one thing is at Golf Channel in particular, I think I was the first pregnant female that they had on air. It’s a funny story. I remember being terrified. This would have been, though, like summer fall of 2013. And, you know, I want to have a family. I did a travel show on golf channel for a while, which meant you were out on the golf course a lot too. But you were also like running around in a bathing suit here and there half the show and, and I’m like, oh my gosh, I’m talking to my husband about it. And I’m like, you know, maybe we should wait a few more years and wait a few more years. And you know, it’s never the right time to have a kid. You know, when you started thinking about all the ideal ways, you know, I want my career to be this. And I want my family life to do this. And finally, we were just like, you know what, let’s just go for it. Who knows, it might take longer than we really think to even get pregnant in the first place. I remember being so scared to go into my boss’s office and to tell her that I was pregnant. And it was Molly Solomon, she was the executive producer of golf channel for a while. She’s got like a Gajillion awards, and she produced the Olympics, and she’s incredible, but she’s also a mom of triplets. I remember how my hands were shaking, when I went into her office, and I told her I was pregnant, and I started telling her all the ways that we can hide my belly. I’m like, you know what, I kind of sit at a desk anyway. And we’ve got this podium and she stopped me in my tracks and she goes, why would we hide it? Like this is the most natural thing in the world. You know, kids and being a mom and it’s a morning show and people are waking up to you guys and you know, they feel like they kind of know you all anyway, so let’s talk about it as we go. And you know, maybe even bring in your swing instructor and talk about the little adjustments you’re doing in your swing to be able to still play safely while growing a vase. And I remember walking out with that office being like, well that’s not how I thought that was gonna go but it was so refreshing and Paige Mackenzie and we at one point a few years later, I’m pregnant with my second, she’s pregnant with her first. And it was just the two of us doing an interview about, I think it was PGA Tour pros. So we’re talking about men, but you have two pregnant female broadcasters talking golf. And I was like, you know what, this is pretty cool. Like, we’ve come a long way. I don’t know, necessarily 20 years ago, they would have showcased it and showed everything the way that they did. But I’m so glad that they are doing that now we’re getting with the times and we’re making moves. And it’s a good thing for the game of golf and for sports overall.

Mackenzie Mack: Right. Now that’s amazing. Because it is natural, you shouldn’t be penalized and now you can tell your children they’re famous before.

Lauren Thompson: Like you weren’t even out yet. And that was funny too. So when I had my first son, the one thing you know, I’m at home, and it’s maternity leave, and I’m tired as all get out. And I’m watching morning drive, and I couldn’t get the baby to stop crying. And then Gary Williams starts talking. And then my son is like, stressing to look at the TV and I’m like, you know, his voice. Like, yeah, keep talking here. It’s just funny. It’s funny all the way around.

Mackenzie Mack: We have come to the most important part of the show, which is the quick nine. So I’m gonna give you some questions and you give me the first answer that comes to mind. 

Lauren Thompson: Okay, I think I’m ready. 

Mackenzie Mack: Who are the other three players in your dream foursome?

Lauren Thompson: Well, I would have to say my first one would be my father, because he’s been the inspiration to take up golf overall. Arnold Palmer, that’s a really, really hard one to not have. You’re doing foursome. Tiger would probably round it out if he was healthy, and if he was feeling good, but also there is nothing like playing golf with Nancy Lopez.

Mackenzie Mack: If you could cover any event, what would you cover?

Lauren Thompson: I love the AMA inspiration on the LPGA Tour. I love Dinah Shore and her story. I love that golf course out there, it’s just beautiful. I personally love believe it’s a poppy spawn. I think it’s fun. I love the world ceremony. I think it stands out in the women’s game of golf. And that’s an event that I’ve never actually been able to cover. So yes, I would love to cover the AMA inspiration.

Mackenzie Mack: What’s your favorite 19th hole beverage?

Lauren Thompson: I usually go, I love beer. I mean, just like really cold beer and like a frosty have. I don’t think there’s anything better than that. I’m a big fan of Stella. So in the 19 poll, let’s just say I need an ace out on the golf course and I’m buying everyone drinks. I’m buying them all I suppose. 

Mackenzie Mack: Who is your broadcasting idol? 

Lauren Thompson: Oh, Kelly Tillman without a doubt. She was an inspiration for me. Before I was a Golf Channel while I was at Golf Channel, she was definitely inspiration. She told me one of the best statements that I live by whenever I see another person nervous before they get in front of the camera and nervous before an interview. She looked at me one day and she goes, we’re talking golf, not curing cancer. And I’m like, you’re right. You’re totally right. We’re having fun with fun, everything’s fine. And she just had this like calm and soothing like aura to her she could talk with anyone never seen fabricated So Kelly Tillman forever. Love her.

Mackenzie Mack: So what do you do right before a show or a broadcast to get ready?

Lauren Thompson: Right before we go on air. The morning direct producers were awesome with queuing up funny videos, blue burns turning up the music really loud in the studio and you’re like halfway having a dance party record your live and we’re talking for the day. That’s good enough for me. There’s no better way to come on air.

Mackenzie Mack: Best golf movie of all time?

Lauren Thompson: It’s hard to be Caddyshack. I mean, it’s old, but it’s got 9,000,001 liners that everyone involved refers to from time to time. So it’s Caddyshack for me.

Mackenzie Mack: Who has been your favorite Pro AM team?

Lauren Thompson: I got to play with Annika and charity event maybe seven years ago. So she was like the star of our program for there is a reason she’s the Hall of Famer. And you know, one of the greatest woman I think has ever played the game of golf. I mean, she’s just she’s the jam.

Mackenzie Mack: Should men be allowed to wear shorts on tour?

Lauren Thompson: Yes, yes, get on out there. Golf is ridiculous. And there’s a reason why we are doing a lot of things to hopefully combat the golf apparel situation because if you think of all the ways and all the reasons that people haven’t played golf in the past, and the clothes are one of them, that’s ridiculous.

Mackenzie Mack: In one way, what does golf mean to you?

Lauren Thompson: Togetherness, I would say, and that’s kind of a new one for me, because having kids in this day and age, especially kids who are usually glued to their devices, and they want to watch their iPads and want to play their video games, and those are my kids, too. I’m not pointing fingers in any way to anyone who’s watching this right now because I feel you and I there been a game that encourages you to put your cell phone down, and to be outside and in the sun and moving around and you knew that you’re being competitive, you’re playing a game, you’re keeping score, but you’re talking with the people that you’re with, and you could have a five year old, a 15 year old, a 14 year old and a seven year old in your group and everyone’s playing the same game. I mean, togetherness, that’s what it means to me right now. 

Mackenzie Mack: That’s a good word. That’s the first time I’ve heard that, but so true.

Lauren Thompson: Thank you. 

Mackenzie Mack: So true. Well, thank you. Thank you so much for coming on our show and sharing your story. Tell the people where they can find you or see you or get in touch with you. 

Lauren Thompson: Well, I’m on social media. I’m on Instagram. I believe my handle is laurenthompsongc. So check me out there. I’m always posting videos different things I’m working on in my game. I’m on Twitter. I’m on LinkedIn. I’m basically on all the sites. So yeah, join up with me there. Follow along with NBC Sports next and stay in touch, don’t be a stranger.

Mackenzie Mack (PODCAST OUTRO): Thanks for joining us, Lauren. And thank you for listening. Be sure to follow this show on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, so you don’t miss an episode. I’m Mackenzie Mack, and I’ll talk with you next time on “Getting to the Green”.