Inside the LPGA

Join us as we welcome Craig Kessler, the new LPGA Tour Commissioner, to the podcast. In this episode, Craig shares his first impressions after completing his initial week on the job. Discover the energy and excitement he felt at the LPGA headquarters, his vision for the future, and the incredible potential he sees in the athletes and the organization. Craig opens up about his journey, the unexpected path that led him here, and his commitment to elevating the LPGA to new heights. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, passion, and the bright future of women's golf.

Join hosts Hope Barnett and Emma Talley as they welcome the talented Auston Kim to the Inside the LPGA Podcast. In this episode, Auston shares her experiences on the LPGA Tour, her recent successes, and the challenges she faces as a young professional golfer. Discover her thoughts on confidence, the importance of family support, and her aspirations beyond golf.

In this episode, the hosts discuss the upcoming Amundi Evian Championship, reflecting on the LPGA season so far and the significance of this major tournament. They share insights on the golf course, player strategies, and emerging talents, including the new LEAP points system for amateur players. The conversation culminates in a quick nine segment where each host shares their predictions for potential winners of the championship, emphasizing the unpredictability of the sport.

In this podcast episode, Jennifer Kupcho shares her recent victory at the ShopRite LPGA Classic, discussing the emotional journey and hard work that led to her win. The conversation delves into the importance of mental preparation in golf, her competitive nature, and her love for gaming. Jen also shares her fondness for mac and cheese and her experiences traveling the world on Tour, highlighting her favorite destinations and the culinary adventures that come with them. The three then discuss the major this week, the KPMG Women's PGA Championship!

In this episode of Inside the LPGA Podcast, hosts Hope Barnett, Adam Stanley, and Emma Talley discuss the excitement surrounding the KPMG Women's PGA Championship, the challenges of the course, and the competitive landscape of the LPGA Tour. They reflect on the defending champion, recent winners, and the unique conditions players will face during the tournament. The conversation highlights the unpredictability of the season with 15 different winners so far, emphasizing the growing competitiveness in women's golf. The hosts discuss the current state of the LPGA Tour, focusing on the upcoming KPMG Women's PGA Championship. They dive into a fantasy draft format where each host selects players they believe will perform well in the tournament. The discussion includes analysis of player performance trends, statistics, and personal insights, culminating in their final picks and predictions for the championship. The excitement builds as they anticipate the competition and encourage listeners to join in the fun.

In this episode of Inside the LPGA, hosts Hope Barnett and Emma Talley welcomes Maja Stark and Jeff Brighton, who recently raised the trophy at the U.S. Women’s Open presented by Ally. The conversation flows through their experiences of winning, the celebrations that followed, and the challenges of maintaining composure on Tour. Maja shares insights into her performance, the importance of her caddie Jeff, and strategies for overcoming nerves during high-pressure moments. The episode captures the excitement of tournament life and the camaraderie that comes with it. In this conversation, the hosts and guests delve into the nuances of golf, particularly focusing on the importance of aggression and strategy in major championships. They reflect on the discipline required to maintain performance under pressure and share personal insights about life after winning a major title. The discussion also highlights the unique experiences of caddying on the women's Tour. As they transition to lighter topics, they explore future plans and the concept of 'mulligans' in both golf and life, emphasizing the importance of learning from experiences.

In this week’s episode Jeeno shares insights into her recent victory at the Mizuho Americas Open, her close relationship with her caddie, and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset in golf. She discusses the challenges of being away from home, her journey into golf, and her aspirations to inspire the next generation of players. The conversation also touches on her love for camping, celebrating wins at Disney, and her favorite foods, providing a well-rounded view of her life both on and off the course.

In this episode of Inside the LPGA Podcast, hosts Hope Barnett, Emma Talley, and Adam Stanley preview the US Women's Open presented by Ally at Erin Hills. They discuss the significance of the tournament, the challenges posed by the course, the elevated purse, and the pressure on players. The conversation also includes player predictions and insights into the competitive landscape of women's golf. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the upcoming US Women's Open presented by Ally, highlighting the diverse talent in the field, their top picks for the tournament, and the unpredictability of major championships. They emphasize the importance of player experience and adaptability in navigating the challenges of the course, while also acknowledging the potential for dark horses to emerge as winners.

In this episode of the Inside the LPGA podcast, Gaby Lopez shares her excitement about hosting an LPGA event in Mexico, the support of her family and friends, and her journey in golf. She reflects on the influence of Lorena Ochoa, her experiences in the Olympics, and the joy of married life. Gaby emphasizes the importance of authenticity, positivity, and the lessons learned from her mentor, Lorena, about overcoming adversity. In this conversation, Gaby shares her experiences as a professional golfer, discussing the pressures of competition, her college journey, and the importance of community. She reflects on her life in Mexico City, the significance of family, and her appreciation for the hard work of grounds crews at tournaments. Gaby also shares a heartfelt moment about her grandfather and the impact of his support on her career.

In this episode of Inside the LPGA podcast, Hope Barnett caught up with the 2023 Mizuho Americas Open champion Rose Zhang ahead of her second time playing in the event. Back when she emerged victorious at this tournament, she was coming off of an extremely successful junior and college career. She burst onto the scene here at Liberty National and shocked the golf world when she won in her pro debut. Now Rose has two victories and two appearances in the Solheim Cup under her belt. Viewers get an update on her recent injury and the two discuss her dreams, goals and the importance of mental health and so much more.

In this episode, Madelene Sagstrom shares her recent experiences in the world of professional golf, including her recent win and the excitement of competing in major championships. She discusses the challenges of match play, the importance of family support, and her journey through different levels of golf, from college to the LPGA. The Swede reflects on her motivation, the repetitive nature of the sport, and the personal growth that comes with overcoming challenges. The conversation also touches on the unique experiences of being a professional athlete and the sacrifices made to pursue a career in golf. They delve into the realities of life on Tour, the importance of finding balance in a demanding career, and the role of support systems in professional sports. They discuss the impact of national teams on player development, navigating relationships within the sports world, and the significance of empowering young girls in golf. The conversation also touches on personal growth, reflections on life choices, and the expression of individuality through style.

In this bonus episode of Inside the LPGA podcast, hosts Hope Barnett, Emma Talley, and Adam Stanley discuss the excitement surrounding The Chevron Championship, the emotional moments in recent golf tournaments, and the strategies for success on the course. They also highlight the impressive performances of Swedish golfers and share their expert picks for the tournament. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into the current landscape of women's golf, highlighting rising stars, the consistency of top players like Jeeno Thitikul, and the emotional connection players have with the game. They discuss the competitive nature of the LPGA Tour, questioning whether some top players are experiencing a drought or if the competition has simply intensified. The conversation culminates in expert picks for the upcoming tournament, showcasing the hosts' insights and predictions for the future of women's golf.

In this episode, Emma and Hope catch up with the recently named U.S. Team Captain, Angela Stanford. Angela shares her journey as a professional golfer, reflecting on her recent appointment as the 2026 Solheim Cup captain. She discusses the significance of the event in her career, her experiences as both a player and assistant captain, and the importance of teamwork in golf. Angela also reflects on her career's consistency, the challenges of retirement, and the value of surrounding oneself with supportive people. She offers advice to aspiring golfers and shares her plans for life after golf, including a newfound interest in cooking and attending more sporting events. In this engaging conversation, Angela Stanford shares her journey from grilling mishaps to making a significant impact through her foundation that supports children affected by cancer. The discussion flows from her humorous experiences with a new grill to her heartfelt commitment to helping kids in need. Angela also provides insights into her predictions for The Masters and reflects on a memorable, albeit embarrassing, moment from her middle school track and field days. The conversation highlights the importance of passion, purpose, and the joy of making a difference in the lives of others.

In this podcast episode, Sarah Schmelzel shares her journey as a professional golfer, discussing the unique experience of playing close to home, overcoming injuries, and the importance of mental coaching. She reflects on her growth as a player, the joy of competing in the Solheim Cup, and the influence of legends like Annika Sorenstam. Sarah emphasizes the significance of finding balance in life and enjoying the journey beyond the golf course. In this engaging conversation, Sarah Schmelzel shares her experiences as a professional golfer on the LPGA Tour, reflecting on the importance of home comforts, the impact of Girls Golf programs and her cherished college golf experience. The conversation concludes with light-hearted moments about Taylor Swift and personal growth.

In this episode of Inside the LPGA, Hope Barnett and Emma Talley recap the three weeks in Asia. Jenny Shin also joined the duo to share her experiences returning home after extensive travel in Asia, reflecting on the comforts of home and the challenges of being on Tour. She discusses her recent travels to Australia and New Zealand, the cultural differences in food and coffee, and her personal growth over the years as a professional golfer. Jenny also delves into her journaling practices, the complexities of content creation for social media, and her aspirations for the year ahead, both in golf and travel. In this engaging conversation, the speakers dive into the challenges and triumphs of being a professional golfer. They discuss the mental hurdles of self-doubt, the importance of a competitive mindset, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of success. The dialogue also touches on personal growth, identity beyond golf, and the lessons learned from pivotal moments in their careers.