Teeing Off with Cheryl Ladd

Actress Cheryl Ladd, best known for her work on "Charlie Angels", the popular television program which aired in the late 70's and into the early '80's, has just inked a corporate sponsorship deal with the Buick Motor Division. The contract enables Ladd to continue her year-long representation of the company at golf tournaments and events worldwide.

Entering her sophomore endorsement year, Ladd recognized that it's a unique relationship. "Neither side was sure if this was going to work. We weren't sure if this was of value to either of us. But, at the end of the first year, we all agreed it was an incredible experience and a good match, so we made it official."

Ladd, an avid golfer with a 17 handicap, is Buick's first female golf representative and the first non-PGA tour professional to sign a contract endorsing its golf program.

As Buick's golf ambassador, Ladd wears a Buick hat while playing in, or attending, golf events and hosts their dealers and guests at Buick sponsored tournaments.

According to Ladd, this is not just another business deal. Her involvement with golf is a real labor of love, "After my second try at playing golf, my husband, Brian Russell bought me clubs. I was hooked. I just fell in love with it. I found it to be the most difficult and mentally challenging sport, more so than any other. The game teaches you character, patience, and appreciation of other golfers."

PGA Tour professional Chip Beck, who also has an endorsement deal with Buick, offered his thoughts on working with Ladd, "A lot of people want to meet her at our events because of what she has accomplished in both her career and her humanitarian work. Cheryl is great with the public. There is no 'hands-off' with her. We all hope the stars we meet will live up to our imaginary expectations. Cheryl definitely lived up to mine, she is a real angel."

Ladd is just one of the many celebrities often seen hitting the links. Celine Dion, Kevin Costner, Jack Nicholson, Samuel Jackson, Amy Grant, Michael Douglas, and Bill Murray are just some of the entertainers who play the sport. Beck shared his theory on why celebrities are drawn to golf. "I think the reason why celebrities play so much golf is because no one bothers them on the course. Golfers are usually so involved with their own game that they will not pester the famous person for autographs."

In Ladd's opinion, one of the best advantages of being part of Buick's golf family is getting tips from PGA players. "Steve Elkington is such a generous player. He changed my putting for life. Steve is a great teacher," Ladd said. "After our lesson, I played in a charity golf tournament, and I didn't miss a putt under eight feet."

Not only is Ladd participating in tournaments but she has also added golf broadcasting to her resume. Earlier this month, Ladd made her television debut with on-the-course commentary for the "Tournament of Champions for Breast Cancer Awareness", an LPGA event which aired on Lifetime Cable Network.

"This was totally new for me. My goal was to bring the non-professional point of view to the broadcast and to encourage other women to play golf, " Ladd commented.

The former "Charlie's Angels" star believes that more people are watching women's golf tournaments on television because more women are playing the game. "I think golf is a good sport to play in business situations and I think there are more women in the business world these days," she said. "These women, amongst others, are playing the sport. Also, when playing golf with someone, you get to see their character and can really develop relationships because there are opportunities to talk while playing."

One relationship Ladd has really developed while playing golf is the one she shares with her husband. "We play every chance we get. A few years ago, I bought Brian a membership to a prestigious golf club in Scotland for an anniversary present. We get there once in a while and we just love it."

Since 1979, Ladd has also served as a goodwill ambassador for CHILDHELP USA, the largest national, non-profit organization dedicated to research, prevention and treatment of child abuse. In addition to her work with CHILDHELP USA, she plays in numerous charity golf tournaments.