Meet the most passionate fans at the ShopRite LPGA Classic: the FOD Letter Guys
By Carson Racich
GALLOWAY, N.J. – In the bustling excitement of the 2024 ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer, a unique group of gentlemen stood out among the sea of spectators. Dressed in shirts each bearing a single letter, the ‘FOD Letter Guys’ collectively spelled out the name of LPGA players, a heartwarming and eye-catching display of fandom that has become a beloved part of the tournament's atmosphere.
It all started when a group of coworkers, friends and avid golf enthusiasts, attended the ShopRite LPGA Classic together. They were inspired by the idea of doing something special to show their support for the players. After some brainstorming, they decided what better way to get noticed and show their support than by spelling out a player’s name, just like you would see at a football game.
“The ladies work hard and deserve recognition and we want to help that cause,” said Michael Doyle, a proud member of the FOD Letter Guys.
Each year, the group carefully selects which players to support. They consider factors such as the player’s performances, their personality, and even their own personal connections to the player.
"We try to pick players that are local, that we played with in the pro-am or that we mutually know," explains Lewis Knopfnacher.
Coordinating a group to wear the shirts can be challenging, especially for players with longer names. However, the FOD Letter Guys have grown over the years, and they have a thorough recruitment strategy.
“As you can see, we have a pretty large group of guys here," Knopfnacher points out. "We love doing this so we tend to fill out the shirts pretty well, and if not, we will recruit some other folks here that would like to tag along."
The group has countless stories of memorable moments from past tournaments. Players will stop to take pictures of the engagement during their rounds and even share the experience on their social media channels. Their presence definitely doesn’t go unnoticed.
"We love what we do and we have fun with it," Knopfnacher with a smile. "We hope other people see that and that our mission is to support the ladies."
The reactions from the players vary, especially during competition “Some are a little reserved and others love it, like Anna Nordqvist," Doyle emphasized. “She gets so excited when she sees us."
For each member of the group, being part of this tradition holds personal significance. "We have a blast here and are thankful they let us come out," Doyle jokes.
Currently, the group focuses solely on the ShopRite LPGA Classic. "We only do this event. I have the box, so it helps, but I'm sure if we had the opportunity, the guys would love to travel," Knopfnacher mentions.
As they prepare for another day at the tournament, the group dons their shirts and heads out, ready to cheer on their chosen player. Their dedication and enthusiasm are infectious, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the ShopRite LPGA Classic. Their story is a testament to the power of fandom and the joy of shared passion, showing that sometimes, the support from the sidelines can be just as impactful as the game itself.
