No Laying Up - Golf Podcast 1133: LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler
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Mar 18, 2026 Craig Kessler, LPGA Tour Commissioner since 2023 who shifted scheduling, media, and growth strategy. He talks about reshaping the calendar to cut travel, boosting live U.S. coverage and Asian media deals, creating fan-first venues and setups that make stars, and learning through early controversies while building staff and sponsor relationships.
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Course Choice And Setup Shape Perception
- Course selection matters for viewership and player excitement; fans tune in to see both players and iconic courses.
- Course setup must avoid structural biases (e.g., hazards sized for men) that misrepresent women's play.
Dream Broadcasts With Every Shot And Mics
- Aim for full-shot coverage and on-course audio to immerse fans: every shot live and caddies/players mic'd up.
- Early experiments included walk-and-talk segments at the Tournament of Champions.
Relationships Accelerated Live Broadcast Deals
- Pre-existing relationships helped secure live broadcast deals quickly; Kessler leveraged Golf Channel contacts and FM Insurance.
- Conversations with Tom Knapp and Malcolm Roberts led to Golf Channel/CNBC live coverage deals.