Bardine May is the dedicated and dynamic director of the LPGA Child Development Centre, a role she has cherished for over 20 years. She joined the LPGA in 2003, transitioning from her position managing a Bright Horizons branch at Citibank in Sioux Falls, S.D. Her tenure with the LPGA began when the tour became a Bright Horizons client, and she embraced the opportunity to blend her passion for childcare with the excitement of professional golf.
As the director, Bardine oversees a traveling daycare that caters to the children of LPGA players, providing a stable and engaging environment while their moms compete. The centre operates across the U.S. and Canada, and occasionally for international events like the Solheim Cup. Bardine, along with her committed team, ensures that each venue is transformed into a welcoming and educational space for the children, who range from newborns to school-age.
Mondays are particularly busy for Bardine, as she prepares the week's daycare space to ensure it feels like a home away from home for the children. This preparation is crucial as it sets the tone for the entire week, ensuring the children feel comfortable and engaged. From setting up engaging, child-friendly environments to offering flexible hours that cater to the demanding schedules of professional golfers, Bardine and her dedicated team make it possible for LPGA moms to thrive both on and off the course.
One of the standout aspects of the LPGA daycare is its flexibility. Unlike the PGA Tour, which offers set daycare hours, the LPGA's centre adjusts to the needs of the players, sometimes opening as early as 5:30 a.m. and closing after dark. This adaptability ensures that players can focus on their game, knowing their children are well cared for. Bardine's team, including long-time caregivers Joy Dods and Sarah Hurd, goes above and beyond to support the players, even providing a check-out system for travel cribs and toys.
The daycare’s success is evident in the testimonials from LPGA players. Paula Creamer, whose daughter Hilton is a regular, praises Bardine and her team for their invaluable support, while U.S. Solheim Cup captain Stacy Lewis highlights how the daycare has enabled her to continue her career post-motherhood. The centre not only provides childcare but also a sense of stability and consistency for the children amidst the hectic tour schedule.
Bardine’s dedication extends beyond just childcare; she often finds herself playing multiple roles, from counsellor to cook, ensuring that both the children and their moms feel supported. Her efforts have created a tight-knit community that feels like family, and she takes pride in contributing to the players' success and well-being. Her ability to foster a nurturing environment has been crucial in maintaining the daycare's operations, even during periods of fluctuating enrolment.
Looking ahead, Bardine and her team hope for a dedicated sponsorship to secure a trailer for the daycare, which would make logistics easier. Despite the long hours and the constant travel, Bardine's love for her job and the people she works with remains unwavering. She has no plans to retire, finding immense joy and fulfilment in her work with the LPGA family.
With Bardine at the helm, the LPGA’s Child Development Centre continues to be a shining example of how professional sports can support working mothers, allowing them to pursue their careers while nurturing their families.