About Us
About Inside The Ropes Golf Escapes
With Jane and Val’s LPGA backgrounds, guests may get behind-the-scenes access at professional events, private course privileges, or even time with current tour players. It’s a chance to experience golf like only the pros know how.
About Jane
Jane Geddes made her mark on the LPGA Tour by winning 14 tournaments worldwide throughout her 20-year professional career.
Jane attended Florida State University, where she played collegiate golf and was a member of the 1981 National Championship team. Years later, she was inducted into the FSU Athletics Hall of Fame. After turning professional in 1983, she quickly made an impact on the LPGA Tour, earning her first victory in 1986 at the US Women’s Open with her second major, the LPGA Championship, coming the following year.
Throughout her career, Jane amassed 11 LPGA Tour victories and 3 international wins including the Women’s British Open. Jane’s consistent performances on the tour also earned her a spot on the U.S. Solheim Cup team and she later served as assistant Captain for two consecutive Solheim Cup events.
Upon retiring from professional golf, Jane graduated from the Stetson University College of Law and immediately began working on the corporate side of golf at the LPGA Tour. She eventually left her sport and spent 5 years working as SVP, Talent Relations at World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) but returned to golf in Executive Director and CEO roles at a variety of industry leading organizations.
Keeping her hand in the game and in an effort to give back, Jane has served as Berkeley Preparatory School’s Boys and Girls Varsity Golf Coach for the past 3 seasons. Beyond her part-time coaching duties, Jane currently works as a realtor and enjoys time with her family whether boating Tampa Bay, supporting Tampa sports teams or contemplating her next pursuit.
About Val
Val Skinner is a renowned LPGA Tour professional and founder of the Val Skinner Foundation. Residing in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and Bay Head New Jersey, Val has had an illustrious 20-year career on the LPGA Tour, securing six LPGA Tour wins and 10 wins worldwide. Val has been inducted into three Golf Halls of Fame and was a member of the 1996 U.S. Solheim Cup Team. She also served as Captain of the 2003 United States PING Junior Solheim Cup Team and was ranked in the top 15 in the world for 7 of her 20 seasons on the LPGA Tour. Val served as a Golf Analyst for CBS Sports and the Golf Channel for 13 years. Her collegiate achievements include being named Big Eight Female Athlete of the Year twice and GOLF Magazine’s Collegiate Player of the Year in 1982. She was also a 3-Time Collegiate All-American.
Val's philanthropic efforts are equally impressive. She was recognized as one of USA Weekend magazine’s Most Caring Athletes in 1996 and has received numerous awards for her humanitarian work, including the LPGA Humanitarian Award, the Susan G. Komen Award, the Award of Hope from the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, and the Charlie Bartlett Award from the Golf Writers Association of America. Val was also honored as one of Yoplait, Self Magazine, and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation's champions for her extraordinary work in the fight against breast cancer. The Val Skinner Foundation, established in 1999, has been instrumental in raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research. The foundation has launched several initiatives, including the LIFE Event, the Young Women’s Initiative, Decoding Cancer and Career Connections. The foundation has raised over $14 million to date and continues to impact millions of women and families through various programs and campaigns.
Why Jane Started ITR Golf Escapes
Sometimes it feels as though life is truly about the pursuit. The pursuit of happiness, the pursuit of a challenging and successful career (or 2!), the pursuit of family...add what you wish…but I think it’s safe to say that many of us are driven by our passions that hopefully offer a glimpse into the future. That said, every year around this time, I contemplate my future and what the next 12 months or so might bring. While life it good, my kids are flourishing and retirement is NOT on the horizon, my passions are what continue to drive me...specifically, golf and travel.
Golf has clearly played a significant role in my life as there is nothing that defines me more than my 20 years on the LPGA Tour. The experiences, successes, failures, friendships and constant pursuit of excellence all combined to make me who I am today. Interesting enough, most of those experience, successes failures, etc. took place while walking golf fairways around the world. I say, around the world, because travel and the LPGA Tour are synonymous. For me, travel was one of the true perks of having the “best job in the world”!!
As fate would have it, a good friend, fellow LPGA competitor, Golf Channel commentator, Breast Cancer fund raiser extraordinaire and Tour travel buddy, Val Skinner and I had a chance to spend a few days together this past month. While it was great to catch up, one thing that reconnected us was our interest in doing something fun and unique in golf. Something that would combine our passions and expertise. Something that would provide a platform to “give back”. Something that would allow us to travel to great golf destinations. Fun + unique + passions + knowledge = Golf Escapes with Val and Jane! Ta Da – our concept was born! Well…maybe not that quickly but it certainly piqued our interest. After contemplating what might be “missing” from the plethora of golf travel experiences available, we came up with a unique idea that gives us the opportunity to share our unique golf knowledge and experiences with others.
“Inside the Ropes” Golf Escapes.
Exclusive Golf. Insider Knowledge. Unforgettable Experiences.
Why Val Started ITR Golf Escapes
Sharing stories, discovering talent, and continuously working on self-belief make life both fun and exciting! So... I have decided to embark on a new venture, INSIDE THE ROPES GOLF ESCAPES, which promises exclusive golf experiences, insider knowledge, and unforgettable moments. With 20 years as an LPGA Touring Professional and a 13-year career as a commentator for the Golf Channel and CBS Sports, I have had the privilege of chasing greatness, challenging my mind, and learning profound skills beyond just swinging a golf club. I am eager to share my favorite career treasures with those who love the game of golf as much as I do. Traveling the world with the greatest athletes in the sport requires meticulous planning, imagination, discipline, and incredible patience. Despite the occasional dull moments at bad airports, the journey is never boring.
I want to spend time with like-minded individuals and share the experiences that helped me excel in golf, both mentally and physically, while enjoying the challenge of becoming a champion. Sharing insights and teaching you what you have in common with my former competitors will be both interesting and enlightening. You will learn about the skills and secrets of legends like Annika Sörenstam, Tiger Woods, Karrie Webb, Greg Norman, Lorena Ochoa, Sergio Garcia, Nancy Lopez, and Jack Nicklaus. I had the pleasure of watching Lexi Thompson win her first LPGA title at 16 while working the on-course call for the Golf Channel. Despite her success, she still faced challenges like renting a car, which was quite amusing. I have attended numerous Hall of Fame inductions and received golf instruction from some of the greatest teachers in the game.
Nothing would be more fulfilling than providing a unique golf experience for you and witnessing your successes and "aha" moments as you learn the secrets of playing the game at the highest level. Winning was enjoyable, but the journey of seeking answers was my true passion. I want to share this journey with all of you. Partnering with my longtime friend, colleague, and fellow competitor, Jane Geddes, will make the INSIDE THE ROPES GOLF ESCAPES experience even more special. You will benefit from the perspectives of two LPGA champions and renaissance women from the fairways. Golf has given me the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives, and I hope to do the same for you.