TV’s big change sends a winning message: ‘Get more attention’

Naples, FLANE

Kessler has only been on the job for four months but has already shown that he understands where the LPGA needs to grow – and that he is willing and able to make the necessary moves to push the tour that way. The LPGA has already announced a new tournament in partnership with Golf Saudi. Jehovah has announced the relocation of the Chevron Championship to enhance the event experience. And on Tuesday, the tour announced a new partnership with FM, the Golf Channel, and trackman to develop and promote television coverage in 2026. Investments from FM will be made so that every round of every tournament can be broadcast live in the United States. Streams will come with 50% more cameras, drone footage and advanced tracking information.

When Kessler was announced as Commissioner, he outlined “four pillars of success” to help the LPGA grow. The second was “Appearance.” Tuesday’s deal makes the pillar stronger than ever, and the players understand how important it is to the present and the future of their tour.

“Television collaboration is everything,” said favorite trio winner MinELee on Tuesday. “Actually, we can entertain them, so if we don’t have TV times, live times, or slots you see how Craig has everything, and you see how we go.”

Lee watches his brother, min WOO, play on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. He has seen firsthand how different the two television brands are and hopefully this partnership will begin to put the women’s golf product on the same footing as the men’s game.

“I think they have great TV moments, so I can just turn it on and live,” Lee said of the PGA World Tour and the DP World Tour. A lot of exposure as players. That’s what we’re always working on.”

Hall of Famer Lydia KO has seen the LPGA struggle to raise its brand for years. There are many reasons why the LPGA does not break the audience for major sports events, but visibility and television coverage play large roles in promoting the players and the game. Kessler’s departure is one Ko has been hoping to see for a long time, and one knows it’s worth the talent on the move. Making visits visible every week and making it easy to follow shotlink data can be a women’s golf game.

“I think that’s what the players and the journey deserve,” Ko said. “I believe this will only cause more attention for some people who have a hard time following the track before. I think I’ve been in a situation where I’m not playing, and I see what happened, and it was something that I felt like we could really improve.

“So to see the growth in that and to see how much coverage we’re going to get domestically and overseas, it’s very exciting. I think there’s been a lot of progress in the last few months.”

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Kessler has a lot on his plate as he looks to strengthen his four pillars – trust, visibility, building FAN BASH and securing a financial future – and help the LPGA above. It will take time to bring his vision to reality.

But his first move is a big change that shows Kessler understands the assignment, and the change in broadcast sent a clear message that Kesser has both a plan and a vision to lead the LPGA to its desired destination.

“I think the last few months have been very fast paced, and it’s been great to be a part of that and kind of see the growth in that vision,” Kessler said of Kressler’s debut as Commissioner. “I think we’re growing as an organization and we’re becoming more powerful, I think, the foundation of the organization without playing more money and day-to-day and what kind of direct contact day-to-day.

“I’m excited for what’s next. And I truly believe that Craig is going to take our journey to that next step, and I’m very excited to be a part of that.”

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