In this episode of Invested in the Game, Mason Reed sits down with LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler to discuss his first 14 months leading the tour and his ambitious vision for its future. Kessler reflects on his own journey in golf, from inexpensive executive courses in Southern California to one of the most influential roles in the sport, and explains how the LPGA is approaching growth with a mindset of bold transformation rather than incremental improvement. He discusses efforts to secure more live coverage, improve broadcasts, elevate player visibility, strengthen sponsor relationships, and build trust with athletes, all while positioning the LPGA as both a thriving sports property and a culturally relevant brand.

The conversation also explores the broader future of golf and the opportunities created by rising participation, especially among women, girls, and newcomers to the game. Kessler shares his optimism about golf’s long-term growth, highlights the LPGA’s uniquely global reach, and offers a preview of the new LPGA event at Nanea Golf Club in Hawaii, which will pair LPGA professionals with elite collegiate players in a first-of-its-kind format. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the LPGA’s greatest competitive advantage: a group of athletes deeply invested in the success of their tour, their fans, and the future of women's golf.

Invested in the Game is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the show, visit schwab.com/TheGame.

If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.

Important Disclosures

The comments, views, and opinions expressed in the presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of Charles Schwab.

Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable source. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed and Charles Schwab & Co. expressly disclaims any liability, including incidental or consequential damages, arising from errors or omissions in this publication.

All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

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This episode of Invested in the Game features a wide-ranging conversation with Tron Carter (TC) of No Laying Up, tracing the evolution of one of golf's most influential media brands from a group text among friends into a multimedia company that has helped shape modern golf culture. TC reflects on his lifelong connection to the game, the early days of No Laying Up, and the organic growth that came from prioritizing authentic storytelling, friendship, and a genuine love of golf over business plans or outside investment.

Throughout the conversation, TC shares the challenges and rewards of building a company with close friends and family, the decision to leave a traditional career to pursue No Laying Up full-time, and the balancing act of managing success, travel, and family life. He and Mason also explore the responsibility of creating golf media, the importance of maintaining authenticity with audiences, and how No Laying Up has built a passionate community by taking golf seriously without taking themselves too seriously.

The discussion also turns to the broader state of the game, from public golf and course accessibility to the future of professional golf under new leadership. TC offers an optimistic outlook on both the men's and women's professional tours, while expressing particular excitement about what he sees as a modern golden age of golf course architecture.

Invested in the Game is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the show, visit schwab.com/TheGame.

If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.

Important Disclosures

The comments, views, and opinions expressed in the presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of Charles Schwab.

Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable source. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed and Charles Schwab & Co. expressly disclaims any liability, including incidental or consequential damages, arising from errors or omissions in this publication.

All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

(0926-2RF7)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Acclaimed golf journalist and author Michael Bamberger joins Mason Reed for a wide-ranging conversation about a lifetime spent in and around the game. Bamberger reflects on his introduction to golf through a public-school gym class, his years as a caddie and reporter, and the relationships and stories that have shaped his career covering golf's biggest personalities and events. Along the way, he shares why golf's unique ability to connect generations remains one of the game's most enduring qualities.

The discussion also explores Bamberger's experiences covering Tiger Woods during his rise to global stardom, the craft of storytelling in a fast-moving digital world, and the lessons learned from decades as a journalist and author. Looking ahead, Bamberger shares an optimistic view of golf's future, arguing that despite changes in equipment, media, and professional golf, the game's essential challenge—and its power to bring people together through competition, friendship, and self-discovery—remain as compelling as ever.

Michael Bamberger is a senior writer for Golf.com and the author of The Ball in the Air, The Playing Lesson, and To the Linksland, among other books. Photo of Michael Bamberger by Matt Ginella.

Invested in the Game is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the show, visit schwab.com/TheGame.

If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.

Important Disclosures

The comments, views, and opinions expressed in the presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of Charles Schwab.

Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable source. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed and Charles Schwab & Co. expressly disclaims any liability, including incidental or consequential damages, arising from errors or omissions in this publication.

All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

The books Wonderland, We Would Have Played for Free, and The Second Life of Tiger Woods are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.). Schwab has not reviewed the books and makes no representations about their content.

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