As a lifestyle editor, I’m always looking for the deeper narrative in the world of golf – what drives these athletes, what lessons can we learn, and how does the human element shine through? Lately, the buzz on the LPGA Tour has been less about individual wins and more about a fascinating broader question: does women’s golf thrive on a few dominant superstars, or does a field brimming with depth and parity ultimately capture more hearts and eyeballs?
LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler articulated this perfectly when he said,
“No silver bullets to creating stars.”
And he’s right. The magic isn’t just in raw talent; it’s in the entire package. It’s about how players connect with us, how they build their personal brands beyond the 18th green, and, of course, their ability to perform under pressure.
The “Venn Diagram” of Stardom: What It Means for Us
Kessler’s strategy is intriguing, focusing on what he calls a “Venn diagram” approach to star power. He’s looking for players who:
- Are the best at the game.
- Are the most marketable.
- Are willing to put in the work off the course.
It’s at the intersection of these three points that he believes global superstars are made, fostering that critical player-fan connection.
“You have the best players, you have the most marketable players, and you have the ones who are actually willing to lean in and do the work,” Kessler said. “It’s the handful of players at the center of that Venn diagram that we are going to invest our resources against in order to create global superstars and create that player and fan connection.”
While this strategy is aimed at the highest echelons of professional golf, it offers a fantastic blueprint for any of us looking to excel, whether on the course or in life. Are we not all striving to align our skills, our presentation, and our work ethic to achieve our goals?
Take Nelly Korda and Charley Hull, for instance. These are the “needles” of women’s golf right now. They not only have the undeniable talent, but they’ve also actively cultivated their public personas. Korda’s elegant athleticism and Hull’s fiery, relatable passion make them compelling figures. We saw glimpses of this star power even in “almost” moments last year, like Korda’s charge at the U.S. Women’s Open and Hull’s final-round flurry at the AIG Women’s Open.
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Learning from Early Season Drama: The Power of Perseverance
The start of the 2026 LPGA season provided a unique, albeit controversial, example of this star power at play. Nelly Korda’s win at the season-opening Tournament of Champions was unfortunately overshadowed by the decision to shorten the tournament to 54 holes. While the LPGA commissioner apologized for the handling of the announcement, Korda’s determination still shone through. She had navigated a winless 2025 and bounced back with strength early in 2026. This resilience is something we can all identify with.
“I did a lot of good last year,” Korda said after her 54-hole win. “Just kind of wasn’t going my way. I guess I was just so focused on being really present, which I told myself to do that last year, too. Maybe the outside noise did make its way in a little bit more than I wanted to. I learned a lot. Just very happy to get the first win of the year, and hopefully that leads into a great year.”
How many times have we, as everyday golfers, felt that “outside noise” creeping in – perhaps that nagging thought about a bad shot, or comparing ourselves to others? Korda’s words are a clear reminder of the importance of staying present and learning from past experiences, rather than letting them define us.
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The Thrill of the Chase: Tapping into Our Inner Charley Hull
And speaking of comebacks, Charley Hull’s win at the PIF Saudi Ladies International was a masterclass in aggressive, exciting golf. Firing a final-round 65, including six birdies in her last eight holes, is the kind of thrilling finish that makes us all want to pick up a club. Hull’s revelation that her boyfriend encouraged her to “make loads of birdies coming in, you love chasing” highlights a crucial aspect of mental game in golf:
Actionable Takeaway: Embrace the Chase
How often do we play it safe when we’re a few shots back? Hull’s story reminds us that sometimes, the best strategy is an offensive one. For your next round, challenge yourself to pick a few holes where you’ll consciously try to aggressively attack the pin, or go for that extra yardage. Tapping into that “love chasing” mentality can transform your game, making it more dynamic and, frankly, more fun. Whether it’s aiming for a personal best or trying to beat a friend in your foursome, finding that internal drive can unleash incredible potential.
The early 2026 season for the LPGA has delivered a compelling narrative. It shows us that golf is not just about the numbers on a scorecard. It’s about mental fortitude, the ability to connect with others, the commitment to personal growth, and the sheer joy of the game. Nelly Korda and Charley Hull aren’t just winning; they’re inspiring a generation of golfers, both professional and amateur, to embrace the lifestyle of golf with passion and purpose. And that, to me, is the real breakthrough moment for women’s golf.
