EDINA, Minn.
When Dieter Esch began looking at the players on the LPGA Tour, he quickly figured out that something was missing. He sensed they always appeared out of place . . . swinging nine-irons, hitting out of bunkers, putting cross-handed on the green.
So Esch decided it would be a great idea to put the golfers in something different, something the casual public does not see them in, at least up to now.
Like bikinis. Like lingerie. Like evening gowns.
"This was perfect, to show the world there are sexy, athletic women who can play," said Esch, who is using his company and his clout to turn seven female pro players into model citizens.
They are the Wilhelmina 7, a hand-picked group of seven LPGA pros represented by Wilhelmina Artist Management, a division of the New York modeling agency that includes such clients as singers Fergie and Ciara and actress Heather Graham.
Kim Hall was the first player recruited by Esch. The 26-year-old, a three-time All-Pacific 10 Conference player at Stanford, loved the photographs of her in a swimsuit. So did her husband, Casey.
"It was nice to feel glamorous," said Hall, one of four in the group who is playing in the U.S. Women's Open this week at Interlachen Country Club. "I'd rather be known for my golf, but it's a bonus when you're considered attractive. It's flattering. It's kind of nice to be one of the 'cute' ones."
On the course, it has been sort of a challenge. Hall's best result this season was a tie for 10th at the MasterCard Classic and she has missed eight cuts in 13 events, but she's in the top 20 in driving accuracy and fully exempt this year.
However, statistics don't tell you everything. If Hall appears totally at ease in a swimsuit, it's because she is Red Cross certified as a water safety instructor.
When she is on the road, Hall said Casey likes to look at her pictures on the Internet, and has found it best to be talking on the phone with her at the same time.
"He has a whole new perspective of his wife," Esch said.
The game plan for the Wilhelmina 7 is not complicated.
The agency will seek sponsorship and endorsement deals for the women as a group and as individuals.
Wilhelmina has launched a campaign to get them work, and, well, exposure.
Clients interested in one of the group or all of them may make up their mind as they thumb through a bound booklet of color photographs of the players, posing in bikinis, summer dresses, and more slinky dresses.
