Latest news with #CraigKessler
BBC News
29-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Why US Open comes at crucial moment for women's golf
Britain's Charley Hull tees off alongside world number one Nelly Korda for the first two rounds of this week's US Open, the biggest championship in women's a record-equalling $12m, the event comes at a crucial moment. A new LPGA Tour boss has just been appointed with an immediate priority to halt a perceived period of damaging other elite women's sports have boomed, golf has drifted despite attracting larger prize funds for its biggest events. Observers talk of the female game now being "at a crossroads". Kessler to the rescue? So Craig Kessler - a youthful, confident US executive - is moving from the PGA of America to succeed Mollie Marcoux Samaan as commissioner. He has a bulging in-tray of issues to address."We have to come out of the blocks strong," Kessler told reporters when his appointment was announced last week. The 39-year-old officially starts in mid-July, but is already talking to leading players and has been dubbed "a young Mike Whan" by former US Solheim Cup captain Stacy successfully held the commissioner position for more than a decade until 2021, a largely golden period when prize money on the LPGA almost left to take charge of the United States Golf Association, which runs this week's major championship. With Whan in charge, it is no surprise that Korda will tee off at 14:25 (20:25 BST) with Hull and Lexi Thompson at Erin Hills is a grouping made with TV ratings and global reach in mind. It is a business Hull is down to 17th in the world and has not had a top-10 finish since early March, and Thompson is semi-retired, are of secondary importance because both golfers are among the sport's most recognisable have large fanbases, they do social media and do it well. Their appeal goes beyond their golf and this is why they are out with the world's leading player at peak viewing times. LPGA needs to 'build bridges' The ebullient Whan, better than most golf executives, understands such dynamics. He knows how to connect and communicate with players, sponsors and fans he moved on from the LPGA, Samaan's regime struggled to maintain momentum. There was an early setback when players failed to turn up for an important sponsor dinner they were expected to then commissioner "took full responsibility" while Terry Duffy, the boss of the backer in question, CME, was furious. "The leadership needs to work with their players to make sure that everybody has a clear understanding of how we grow the game together." he was one of a number of setbacks. A proposed merger with the Ladies European Tour looked certain to be completed but came to the LET continued to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia and the Aramco Series that underpins its last year's Solheim Cup, the park-and-ride system was botched, leaving empty seats in first tee grandstands for the start of the most important event in women's golf. Samaan needed to issue a public apology behalf of the were recently informed that the LPGA's South Korean rights partners have not paid their bills for 2024 or 2025. The chief marketing and communications officer, Matt Chmura, departed earlier this month after only a year in the all this upheaval came Samaan's resignation at the end of last year. English veteran Mel Reid, an LPGA board member, told the Golf Channel: "She was under pressure from a lot of players."When asked what should be Kessler's priorities when he takes over, a former major winner told me: "He will need to rebuild some bridges and show that the LPGA is a place where corporations can do business."Another insider said that the new commissioner has to reconnect with players and sponsors and "get the tour back to where it was when Mike Whan left it".Kessler speaks of pillars to underpin his new regime, starting with "building trust; trust with our players, trust with our sponsors, trust with our fans, and trust with our team". In previous eras, stars such as Annika Sorenstam and Michelle Wie would sit alongside tennis greats such as the Williams sisters and Maria Sharapova at the very top of the women's sporting leading tennis pros still command huge attention, there is a perception that golfers have been usurped by female footballers and basketball luminaries such as the Indiana guard Caitlin at a time when Korda has been a dominant and potentially transcendent force and Lydia Ko won Olympic gold and the AIG Women's Open. They were glory days for players who respectively epitomise elegance and did the game fully capitalise? Did enough people notice? "Make LPGA golf a destination for media and fans to attend," said the retired major winner, who retains close contact with the seems to agree. "The second major pillar is around being visible," he said, "and making sure that the incredible stars the LPGA has, who leave it on the course week in and week out, are actually visible and that goes beyond just the broadcasts."The new commissioner's messaging is straight out of the Whan playbook. Kessler takes over during the LPGA's 75th anniversary and speaks of the need to develop the fanbase while rebuilding a secure financial there will be plenty of discussion in the background while the world's best tackle what should be a formidable test at the Wisconsin course that staged the men's US Open in 2017."Even if you think you've hit it good, you can [only] exhale when you see it stop," Korda said. "I think it's a great big hitter's golf course, but it's just demanding in every aspect."Hull is the leading British contender but has missed four major cuts since sharing second place at the 2023 US Open. She was also runner-up at the Women's Open at Walton Heath that Yuka Saso is defending champion for an event that carries genuine global appeal and $2.4m for the will be watching closely, no doubt hoping the tour's most recognisable stars can make the impression that was hoped for when the opening round groupings were drawn up.
NBC Sports
26-05-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Commissioner Kessler has 'passion' for golf, LPGA
Beth Ann Nichols joins Golf Today to analyze Craig Kessler being named the 10th commissioner of the LPGA, preview the upcoming United States Women's Open Championship and explain the inspiring story of Leta Lindley.
Newsweek
22-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Former Mavericks Advisory Board Member Tabbed as LPGA Tour New CEO
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The LPGA's search for a new chief executive officer came to an end Thursday. Craig Kessler was appointed by the Board of Directors to replace Liz Moore, who took over the organization on an interim basis following the resignation of Mollie Marcoux Samaan at the end of last season. In announcing the news, John B. Veihmeyer, Chairman of the LPGA Board of Directors, noted the breadth of experience Kessler will bring to the position. "Craig is an inspiring and engaging leader, who brings a unique mix of executive leadership experience, deep relationships in the golf industry, and a genuine commitment to elevating women and girls through golf. The LPGA has never been more dynamic – and Craig is exactly the right leader to drive its next era of growth and impact." The LPGA had no commissioner for the first 25 years of its history (1950-1975); Kessler is the organization's 10th commissioner and the eighth man to hold the position. Autographed flags as seen during the third round of the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club on November 23, 2019 in Naples, Florida. Autographed flags as seen during the third round of the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club on November 23, 2019 in Naples, new LPGA Commissioner, for his part, made no secret of the profound impact this opportunity has had on his career. "The LPGA stands at the intersection of world-class competition and global impact," he said. "From young girls who are picking up a club for the first time, to the LPGA Professionals helping teach this great game to people around the world, to the incredible athletes competing on Tour—the LPGA is driving the future of golf." "I'm honored to join this powerful movement and eager to help build what comes next—together." Craig Kessler brings a wealth of golf and business experience to his new role. He comes directly from two years as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the PGA of America, where he did an outstanding job overseeing the organization's complex operations and charitable foundation. Other highlights of Kessler's resume include serving as COO of the well-known sports and entertainment company Topgolf, his work with the National Golf Foundation and on the Dallas Mavericks Advisory Board. His development in the business world includes serving as CEO of Buff City Soap, which grew from 100 to 260 stores during Kessler's one-year, eight-month tenure. Kessler holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgetown University and a Masters of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School. More Golf: Rory McIlroy Follows Bryson DeCambeau's Footsteps Making History
22-05-2025
- Business
Craig Kessler selected next LPGA commissioner and sees explosive potential
The LPGA has selected Craig Kessler as its next commissioner, turning to the PGA of America's chief operating officer to help the 75-year-old league better capitalize on the growth in women's sports. Kessler, 39, is the 10th commissioner in LPGA history, replacing Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who stepped away after three-and-a-half years in January. He formally takes over on July 15. 'I don't think this is one of those opportunities where we start with 100 days of listening. It's time to explode out of the gates,' Kessler said. He said the main goal could be to create a culture where anyone looking at the LPGA would say, 'I have to be part of that.' Kessler, a Georgetown graduate with an MBA from Harvard Business School, had been with the PGA of America for just over two years and was a candidate to become the CEO until the organization wanted a golf professional in the role and hired Derek Sprague. 'We set out to find a transformational leader with a deep appreciation for the LPGA's legacy and a clear vision of what's possible for our future,' said John Veihmeyer, the chairman of KPMG who chairs the LPGA's board of directors. 'Craig is an inspiring and engaging leader, who brings a unique mix of executive leadership experience, deep relationships in the golf industry, and a genuine commitment to elevating women and girls through golf.' Prior to his two years at the PGA of America, Kessler was CEO of Buff City Soap when it expanded from 100 to 260 stores, and he was COO of Topgolf. He also spent six years as an operating partner in private equity, first with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. and later with Providence Equity. 'This isn't just about leading a sports organization. It's about redefining what's possible,' Kessler said. 'This role is deeply personal to me, not just as a professional opportunity but as a chance to make a difference in the world and create new opportunities for others.' Liz Moore, the chief legal and technology officer, will stay in her role as interim commissioner until July 15. The LPGA celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, and has operated independently from the PGA Tour. The total prize fund this year is approaching $130 million as women are getting more corporate support. Women's sports across the landscape has seen a spike in money and interest, though the LPGA has lagged behind in getting attention despite story lines like Nelly Korda winning five straight tournaments last year and Lydia Ko winning the Olympic gold medal to qualify for the LPGA Hall of Fame, followed by her victory in the Women's British Open.
Reuters
22-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
LPGA names former PGA of America exec as new commissioner
NEW YORK, May 22 (Reuters) - The LPGA board elected Craig Kessler to serve as its new commissioner, the organisation said on Thursday, with the former Chief Operating Officer of the PGA of America stepping into the role on July 15. Former Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan stepped down in January, days before the start of the 2025 season, after overseeing an increase in popularity and prize money. "This role is deeply personal to me – not just as a professional opportunity, but as a chance to make a difference in the world and create new opportunities for others. Golf changes lives," Kessler said in a statement. "I believe in the LPGA's mission, its members and its momentum." The LPGA Tour put a record $131 million in prize money up for offer across 35 events in its 75th anniversary season this year, with the combined purse for the five majors topping $47 million.
