WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert wrapped up her weekend at the American Century Championship tied for a brutal 86th place out of 89 competitors, hitting a dismal score of minus-54. This wasn't just another bad golf outing for a public figure. Nope, her struggle on the course in Lake Tahoe amplified the intense heat she's already facing over her leadership of a rapidly growing league, and fans are definitely noticing.
Bogey After Bogey on the Course and in the League's Public Eye
Engelbert spent July 10-12 at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, joining nearly 90 athletes, entertainers, and public figures in what's usually a pretty chill event. But for Engelbert, that relaxed atmosphere clearly didn't translate to her game. Finishing with a minus-54 score in a Modified Stableford system means she had a seriously rough go. For perspective, former tennis pro Mardy Fish captured the championship with a stellar 72 points. Ex-NHL standout Joe Pavelski grabbed second with 66 points, and even Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry placed third with 59 points. Engelbert barely nudged ahead of sports broadcaster Rich Eisen and actor John O'Hurley, tying with comedian Ray Romano. While celebrity golf scores typically fly under the radar, her abysmal showing drew major attention because it landed smack in the middle of one of the most scrutinized periods of her entire tenure as commissioner.The "Tough Questions" That Aren't Getting Answered
This golf disaster comes right after renewed criticism about how the league is handling some seriously high-profile issues, especially those involving Caitlin Clark and player safety. Engelbert has been at the helm since 2019, seeing incredible growth with record television ratings, attendance, and sponsorships. But with that growth? Comes a microscope, and a really powerful one at that. Media personalities and fans alike have been hammering her for not doing enough to tackle recurring problems with officiating, physical play, and the league's public messaging. One of the wildest moments from the weekend wasn't even on the golf course. Sports broadcaster Dan Patrick revealed Engelbert actually bailed on an interview she was scheduled to do with him from Lake Tahoe. Patrick was not shy about voicing his disappointment, saying, "If you want to be treated as a serious league, this is what happens. These are tough questions, but this is a fair outlet for you , a fair platform. I will treat you with respect." Veteran sports journalist Jemele Hill totally backed Patrick up on social media, arguing that Engelbert needs to be way more visible and "out front" during this pivotal moment for the league, rather than dodging the tough conversations with "weak statements." What's next for the commissioner? Well, with Dan Patrick calling her out and Jemele Hill demanding more visibility, it's clear Engelbert needs to step up and address the league's growing pains head-on. The pressure is on, and the WNBA is in a critical spot right now.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.