LPGA Tour poised to sparkle with reboot

As the LPGA Tour enters the back nine of its milestone 75th anniversary season, it is primed to capitalise on the global growth of women’s golf — thanks to recent leadership appointments and the continued rise of Asia-Pacific golfers — both of which should strengthen the tour's foundation for longevity and deepen its impact on its fans worldwide.

- CHUAH CHOO CHIANG

In recent months, the LPGA named its 10th commissioner in 40-year-old Craig Kessler, whom the search committee was wowed by his passion for the women’s game and, more importantly, by his astute vision to take the organisation forward through four key pillars he has outlined.

Kessler, who holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, assumes his new role on July 15 and brings a broad range of leadership experience across sports and business, most recently serving as chief operating officer of the PGA of America.

Closer to home, the LPGA appointed Chris Madsen as its new Managing Director for the Asia-Pacific region, a critical market in its global strategy. The region will host eight tournaments this year, including upcoming stops in China, Korea (two), Malaysia and Japan beginning in October.

Since Pak Se-Ri’s historic triumph at the 1998 US Women’s Open — where she became the first Asian golfer, male or female, to win a major championship — women’s golf in Asia has flourished.