Roger Steele and the TGL

Chicago’s unofficial golf ambassador Roger Steele joins the Chicago Golf Report Podcast to break down where golf is headed and why TGL could change the way fans experience the game. Roger shares what it’s like serving as the in-arena Master of Ceremonies for TGL, including the energy inside the building, how close fans are to the best players in the world, and why the format makes pros feel more relatable. We also dive into the technology and design possibilities TGL unlocks—imagine “infinite holes” in a compact footprint, and a future where golf architecture expands beyond traditional land-based courses.

We also talk about the new era of golf media: the fragmentation of content, why it’s a net positive, and how creators are changing storytelling around major events. Roger reflects on the 2025 Ryder Cup, then shares big hopes for the Presidents Cup in Chicago—a chance for a true “redemption story,” stronger team energy, and a global spotlight on the city (and the newly redesigned Medinah Country Club).

Finally, Roger highlights his work making golf more inclusive in Chicago along with KemperSports, and calls out the local courses that matter most—plus his personal philosophy on competition, curiosity, and improving while balancing parenthood.

Featured Topics:

  • What it’s like inside TGL and why it feels more like a major arena sport than a traditional tournament
  • Why the fan proximity to elite players is “unmatched” and changes the entire experience
  • How TGL tech could influence the future of golf course design (big ideas in a small footprint)
  • Why the fragmentation of golf media is actually a good thing—and what it unlocks
  • Ryder Cup reflections + why the Presidents Cup in Chicago could become a defining moment
  • Roger’s mission to make golf more inclusive in Chicago (and the local courses he loves most)
  • His personal approach: competition, being a “forever student,” and improving as a parent
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Walter Lis

Walter Lis is the managing editor of Chicago Golf Report. Launched in 2010, Chicago Golf Report is the most visited website on Chicago golf and is one of the top ten most popular local golf websites in the country. We are a digital-only news and information resource covering everything golf in Chicago and its suburbs, providing the latest news about local golf facilities, golf events, golf instruction and even golf business.

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