Leveraging Popularity: How the LPGA Can Engage Female Athletes and Amateur Players for Greater Viewership

The LPGA has grown steadily over the years, showcasing some of the most talented female golfers in the world. Yet, despite this progress, the league still faces challenges in expanding its audience and deepening fan engagement at the local level. One promising path lies in connecting more closely with other female sports and involving amateur female club players. By taking more chances and building bridges across sports and skill levels, the LPGA can attract new viewers and create a stronger, more vibrant community around women’s golf.

LPGA player teeing off during a tournament

Building Connections with Other Female Sports

Women’s sports have gained momentum in recent years, with leagues like the WNBA, NWSL, and professional tennis drawing significant attention. The LPGA can tap into this growing interest by creating partnerships and cross-promotional opportunities with other female sports organizations. This approach can introduce golf to fans who already support women’s athletics but may not yet follow the LPGA.

Collaborative Events and Campaigns

Joint events featuring athletes from different sports can generate excitement and media coverage. For example, the LPGA could host charity tournaments or skills challenges where professional golfers team up with players from soccer, basketball, or tennis. These events would highlight athleticism across disciplines and attract diverse audiences.

Marketing campaigns that celebrate female athletes’ achievements across sports can also raise awareness. Sharing stories of dedication, training, and competition through shared platforms helps build a sense of unity and mutual support among fans.

Shared Media and Broadcast Opportunities

The LPGA should explore broadcast partnerships with networks that cover multiple women’s sports. Bundling coverage or scheduling back-to-back events can encourage viewers to stay tuned and discover new sports. For instance, a weekend sports block featuring a WNBA game followed by an LPGA tournament could boost viewership for both.

Social media collaborations are another avenue. Athletes from different sports can engage in friendly challenges or share behind-the-scenes content together, sparking interest among their followers.

Involving Amateur Female Club Players

Amateur female golfers represent a passionate and growing segment of the golf community. Engaging these players more directly can create a grassroots movement that supports the LPGA and increases viewership.

Creating Amateur-Focused Content and Events

The LPGA can develop content that speaks to amateur players’ experiences, such as instructional videos, tips from pros, and stories of amateurs competing in local tournaments. This content makes the sport feel more accessible and relatable.

Hosting amateur tournaments or clinics led by LPGA players provides opportunities for direct interaction. These events can be promoted locally and online, encouraging participation and building excitement around the professional tour.

Leveraging Technology and Virtual Engagement

Virtual platforms offer new ways to connect with amateur players. The LPGA could launch apps or online communities where amateurs track their progress in real time, compete in virtual challenges, and receive coaching from professionals. These tools foster ongoing engagement and deepen fans’ connection to the sport.

Live streaming amateur events or featuring standout amateurs during LPGA broadcasts can also highlight the pathway from club player to professional, inspiring viewers and potential players alike.

Taking More Chances to Gain Viewers

The LPGA has a chance to stand out by embracing innovation and risk-taking in how it markets and presents the sport. This means experimenting with formats, fan experiences, and storytelling.

Innovative Tournament Formats

Introducing new formats, such as mixed-gender team events or shorter, more dynamic rounds, can attract casual viewers who prefer faster-paced action. These formats can also create fresh narratives and rivalries that keep fans engaged.

Enhanced Fan Experiences

Offering interactive experiences at tournaments, like fan zones with skills challenges, meet-and-greets, and behind-the-scenes access, helps build loyalty. Virtual reality experiences or augmented reality apps could bring fans closer to the action, even from home.

Storytelling That Connects

Focusing on players’ personalities, journeys, and challenges makes the sport more compelling. Documentaries, player interviews, and social media storytelling can humanize athletes and create emotional connections with fans.

The biggest untapped market is the female golfer, and young women and girls learning how to play and the benefits. There are many examples of women learning how to play to spend time socializing with groups, or spending time with their spouse. Clothes and equipment are especially underserving at the club level. More focus and a willingness to leverage the brands will grow viewers and revenue with the additional participation.