Host Family Program Offers LPGA Players a Home Away From Home

By Emilie Meyer  

 

BELMONT, Mich - Week after week, traveling from city to city, and spending countless nights in hotel rooms is a regular part of life on the LPGA Tour. At the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give, players have the opportunity to stay with local host families, providing a sense of home. It’s through a simple application process that families are able to apply and provide a place of comfort unlike any hotel room.  

 

This year, a local family shares how being a host for the Meijer LPGA for Simply Give has created meaningful connections and unforgettable experiences.  

 

Meet Lyndsee and David DeHaan, local hosts to Jessica Porvasnik.  

 

For Lyndsee and David, the decision was influenced by another family member who had previously hosted a player. 

  

“One of our family members started doing it, and we thought, ‘We would just love to do that too.’ So then we signed up,” Lyndsee said. 

 

“And, yeah. It’s awesome,” David added with a smile. 

 

Beginning as a place to stay for Porvasnik during tournament week has quickly turned into a lasting friendship with the DeHanns. As host, they have enjoyed learning all about life on the LPGA Tour and following Porvasnik year-round. 

 

“It is really special because you get to learn a lot about where they go and how they travel. “You get to learn a lot about golf,” Lyndsee said. 

 

With four children, the experience has been extra meaningful for the DeHaans. Porvasnik has become more than just a guest in their home. She has embraced the role of being a part of the family, creating memories with the kids that are unforgettable.  

 

“We have four kids, and Jessica has been awesome just interacting with them,” Lyndsee commented. “She’s just been such a lovely person to get to know.”  

 

“It’s a lot of fun to see them get to be really close with a professional athlete,” David added. 

 

The connection with Porvasnik doesn’t end for the DeHaans when tournament week is over.  

 

“After she leaves our house, we will follow her all year long and keep track of how she’s doing. We just love connecting with her,” Lyndsee added. “And then you know, making sure she knows she’s welcome to always come back and stay with us, any year she wants to come back to the Meijer LPGA Classic.” 

 

The DeHaan family came out to the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give on Saturday to show their support for Porvasnik.  

 

“Now that you’re rooting for somebody, it just makes it so much more fun,” Lyndsee said about the value of being a host. “It’s been special for the whole family and our kids to learn, you know, how to cheer someone on and how to root for them. It’s been great for them to get to experience, too.”