Leading golf broadcaster calls for HUGE changes to The Presidents Cup

Could The Presidents Cup become a mixed event in the future?

As The Presidents Cup gets underway in Montreal, one of golf’s leading broadcasters wants to see a huge change to the biennial contest.

For most golf fans the biennial clash between 12 of America’s top men and a dozen International male stars sits far behind both the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup in terms of interest. And with Team USA winning 12 of the 14 matches since the event’s inaugural playing in 1998, losing just once and going for their tenth straight victory, it is in danger of losing all relevance.

But, with the growth of the women’s game, inclusivity and uniting golf at the forefront of the sport’s conversation, Iona Stephen believes there’s a simple solution to securing the match’s future and massively growing the audience, as she explains in her latest column.

As golf continues to grow in popularity around the world, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the sport can and should lead the way in breaking down barriers and offering a more inclusive future. This is important for the image of the game, but also for its own prosperity.

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One idea that has been floated for golf’s development is the idea of turning the Presidents Cup into a mixed-sex event, welcoming both men and women to compete together. This would not only celebrate the game’s global diversity but also send a strong message about equality and unity in sport. I believe the appetite is there for a mixed format and the Presidents Cup is the perfect opportunity.

It’s clear that neither the Ryder Cup or Solheim Cup should be changed in format – they’re both incredibly popular, amazingly dramatic and they gain huge audiences worldwide. Nobody is questioning the prestige and history of the Presidents Cup but it’s so often overshadowed by the Ryder Cup. Turning it into a mixed event could give it a new and unique identity.

By expanding its format to include women, it would take on new meaning and provide a richer, more dynamic spectacle for fans. It would also break into new territory for golf.

The ISPS Handa Vic Open and the Scandinavian Mixed Open have shown there’s an appetite for seeing men and women competing side by side. They’ve shown that strategy, teamwork and adaptability are key to success, regardless of gender. The Presidents Cup would benefit enormously from tapping into that momentum and by positioning itself at the forefront of the movement toward greater inclusivity in sports.

Imagine the excitement of watching Charley Hull and Rory McIlroy take on Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda. Or Carlota Ciganda and Viktor Hovland against Collin Morikawa and Rose Zhang. The diversity of playing styles, shot-making abilities and personalities would create matchups unlike anything we’ve seen before. Now that is an event I would love to commentate on!

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Incorporating women into the event would also raise the competition’s intensity. Female golfers possess just as much skill, precision and mental toughness as their male counterparts. In fact, some of the finest shot-makers and putters in the world are women and giving them the opportunity to compete alongside men in a team format would only enhance the Presidents Cup’s reputation as a stage for golf’s greatest talent.

It would also present fascinating new strategic challenges for team captains. In golf, teamwork and adaptability are crucial in events like the Presidents Cup, where foursomes and fourball demand that players complement each other’s strengths. Men and women share many qualities but they bring different approaches to the game. Typically, there’s greater precision and course management in the women’s golf, and more power and aggression in the men’s. Those differences would only enhance the event. Captains would need to think about how to pair players who bring completely different skill sets to the table and it would make for more intriguing and complex matches.

One of the most powerful aspects of sport is its ability to inspire. Young boys and girls who grow up watching the Presidents Cup should see the world’s best athletes, regardless of gender, working together as equals. A mixed Presidents Cup would offer role models for all children. It would show them that talent, hard work and passion for the game transcend gender boundaries.

There’s already a strong movement towards promoting women’s sports and increasing visibility for female athletes. From tennis to football to rugby, we’ve seen a surge in interest and investment in women’s sports over the last five years and golf should not be left behind.

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A spirit of unity is exactly what the Presidents Cup was founded on and expanding the event to include women would only strengthen these values. The event has always been about bringing people together through golf, uniting players and fans from different cultures and backgrounds in celebration of the game. By becoming a mixed event, it would take its mission one step further, breaking down gender barriers and creating a more inclusive and – crucially – a more exciting competition.

Golf is at its best when it showcases talent, passion and sportsmanship in all its forms, and there’s no reason why men and women shouldn’t stand together as teammates in one of the sport’s most prestigious events.

It is our responsibility to ensure the growth of the game continues in the next 50 years and beyond, and this could be a key move in achieving this. The future of golf is inclusive, and the Presidents Cup should lead the way.

• Read more from Iona Stephen

About the author

Iona Stephen – Broadcaster and Today’s Golfer contributor

A former professional golfer, who has played on the Ladies European Tour, Iona is a highly respected golf broadcaster.

She joined Today’s Golfer as a regular contributor in 2023 and offers insight into the professional game from her life working on the world’s biggest tours.

The Scotswoman is as comfortable covering the game from the commentary booth as she is broadcasting in front of the camera and from the course. Alongside her television work, Stephen also has her own YouTube channel – On The Road With Iona.

Follow Iona on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok, and find out more at ionastephen.com