After two days of immersion in the future of the finance
industry, the Global Financial Leadership Conference closed out on
a much more relaxed note - out on the links. Approximately 100
attendees participated in the CME Group Pro-Am Golf Tournament.
Each group of four was paired with one of 20 golf pros from the
LPGA, including Annika Sorenstam, participating in her first round
of golf since giving birth during the summer. The LPGA pros "were
some of the nicest hosts you could possibly have," said Terry
Duffy, Executive Chairman of CME Group. It seemed every golfer
shared the sentiment. "Our pro was just great," said a pleased
Craig Broderick, Chief Risk Officer of Goldman Sachs, who was among
the earlier groups to check into the clubhouse at the Greg
Norman-designed Tiburon golf course here in Naples, Fla.
The tournament began with a demonstration of technique and golf
prowess of LPGA pros Brittany Lincicome, Mhairi McKay and Morgan
Pressel at the driving range. Then the 20 groups made their way
through the picturesque curse, marked by a number of water features
and native plants amid 800 acres. The course was generally felt to
be challenging but fair, with those who played poorly blaming it on
too much enjoyment of the NASDAQ OMX sponsored after-party on the
Naples beachfront last night.
Four groups tied for the lead at 14 under par. A scorecard
playoff gave bragging rights to the Laura Diaz led group. Awards of
$1,000 to the players favorite charity was given for the long drive
and closest to the pin. In the endthe tournament was a success
because "Everybody cheated properly," joked Duffy.
The golf pros weren't the only athletes to provide a welcome
break from conference business. The prior day NFL legends Mike
Ditka and Dan Marino posed for photos answered questions from
guests during a luncheon, including a series of questions by
billionaire T. Boone Pickens about his beloved Dallas Cowboys.
Marino and Ditka were generally positive in their thoughts on the
NFL and players. Among their thoughts: Michael Vick is
deserving of his second chance after having attoned for his mistake
in running a dogfighting ring; Jay Cutler will end up being an
excellent QB for the Chicago Bears; and Peyton Manning is hands
down the best QB in football right now. A question on the New York
Jets brought out old rivalries, however. Marino, long the bane of
the Jets during his distinguished career simply smirked and said
'too bad' to a questioner who asked about the prospects for Gang
Green, while Ditka nearly spat fire discussing rookie head coach
Rex Ryan. "He's a lot like his father in that he pops his mouth off
a lot… I say talk softly and cary a big stick. You ain't won
nuthin' after three games."
