Roger Steele – Chicago’s Golf Ambassador

Chicago’s very own Roger Steele serves as the in-venue master of ceremonies for the tech-infused golf league founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy: TGL presented by SoFi, which takes place Tuesday evenings on ESPN. In this role, Roger engages the live audience, introduces players, and contributes to the overall entertainment experience during matches held at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Roger Steele is a dynamic personality in the world of golf, known for his ability to blend humor, storytelling, and advocacy to make the game more inclusive and accessible. His rise to prominence stems from his work as a golf content creator, influencer, and entrepreneur, with a focus on diversifying golf and breaking stereotypes about the sport.

Early Days in Chicago

Roger Steele grew up on Chicago’s west side, where golf was far from his mind. For him and his friends, the game didn’t hold any appeal—it was something associated with older white men, not the fast-paced excitement they found in basketball. Their heroes were players like Michael Jordan, who brought glory to the city with six championship wins for the Bulls during the 1990s.

But Roger Steele Sr., a Chicago police officer, had a different vision for his son’s future. Golf had become a tool for Steele Sr. to build camaraderie with his fellow officers, and he saw it as a way to keep Roger focused and out of trouble.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Having witnessed firsthand how good kids could end up in bad situations, Steele Sr. believed the structured environment of golf could make a difference. He started bringing young Roger along to play with his colleagues at Columbus Park, even though the boy wasn’t thrilled about it.

Although reluctant, Roger continued playing to please his father, eventually growing more engaged with the game during his high school years. When it came time to attend the University of Illinois and pursue a degree in civil engineering, however, golf was left behind.

Roger focused on his studies, using his demanding coursework as a reason to step away from the sport. After graduating and starting a career in engineering, he quickly realized that the field wasn’t the right fit for him, setting the stage for a different journey.

Finding a Home in Golf

Roger eventually became inspired by entrepreneurs to build businesses. His path led back to golf, merging his passion with storytelling. This led to his venture, HIPE Media.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Steele had developed partnerships with Callaway, Topgolf, Five Iron Golf, Sofi and KemperSports to help support his core mission: promoting the game to a wider audience. He strives to reach more people and make golf more accessible.

Steele’s initial breakthrough came from a video on getting into golf. He shared advice he’d given friends, expecting some pushback due to golf’s rigid traditions.

Instead, it launched his career because golfers appreciated his honesty. Roger Steele’s scratch handicap proves he isn’t just talking; he truly understands the game.

More Than Just an Influencer: Steele’s Impact on Golf

Steele highlights golf’s human side. He’s interviewed greats like Jon Rahm, Annika Sorenstam, Harold Varner III, Xander Schauffele, and Cameron Champ.

He also connects with figures outside golf like Steph Curry, J.R. Smith, Andrew Whitworth, and Larry Fitzgerald. These exchanges reveal what drives these athletes. They offer valuable insights for Steele’s viewership.

Roger’s personality creates relatable content. He makes golf less intimidating, bridging the gap between pro and amateur, especially for newcomers to the sport.

The Roger Steele Approach: Authenticity in Golf Content Creation

Steele’s personality shines in every video he posts to his many Instagram followers. What started as chats with friends resonated with a larger audience.

Steele sees sponsorships as raising awareness, not just selling products. He views his work as storytelling, not influencing. Roger focuses on “what’s happening” in the lives of fellow golfers and uses his platform to connect with them.

Connecting with a Wider Audience: Steele’s Impact

Steele emphasizes relatability, sharing stories, and making golf more inclusive. He wants to welcome people to a sport often associated with exclusivity and privilege.

He hopes to open doors for those interested in golf who are in high school or later on in life. He promotes inclusivity not just in the realm of golf but in various aspects of life.

PGA Tour instructor Jake Thurm, who has worked with numerous PGA Tour winners, including Kevin Streelman, James Hahn, Dudley Hart, and Chip Beck, has tremendous admiration for Roger Steele. “Roger has tried everything in golf and saw where he fit. He’s got a great golf game, can hit the ball 330 yards, and has something to say.”

Roger Steele has transformed himself beyond his Chicago roots into the national spotlight as the emcee of the highly anticipated TGL presented by SoFi. Along the way, he continues to encourage newcomers to the game while continually adapting to the changes in the world of golf and how it impacts the sport.