S E40: How Delta Became a Power Player at the Masters and PGA TOUR

S E40: How Delta Became a Power Player at the Masters and PGA TOUR

Author: Big Swing Media July 29, 2026 Duration: 47:39
Why is one of the world’s largest airlines making such a significant investment in golf?Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian joins Jimmy Roberts to explain why the company’s relationships with the Masters, the PGA TOUR and some of the game’s biggest players are about much more than television exposure.For Bastian, golf sits at the intersection of relationships, travel and the growing experience economy—and gives Delta an opportunity to position its brand alongside some of the most respected institutions in sports.Bastian also shares the strategy behind Delta’s transformation from bankruptcy to an industry leader, the people-first decision that helped the airline navigate COVID and why he personally invested in the new McLaren Golf venture alongside names including Justin Rose, Ian Poulter and Michelle Wie West.What you'll hear in this episode:Why Delta views golf as a strategic brand investmentThe value—and challenge—of measuring sponsorship ROIHow Delta dramatically expands service into Augusta during Masters weekThe surprising role Delta played in Tony Finau’s journey to professional golfWhy Bastian invested his own money in McLaren GolfHow Delta’s people-first culture shaped its biggest business decisionsPlus, Grant Hill shares the early goal that helped shape his basketball career, and Jimmy reflects on the lasting influence of Caddyshack nearly five decades after its release.🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every Wednesday▶️ Watch on YouTube | 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify📺 Airing on Golf Channel every Tuesday See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosted by sixteen-time Emmy winner and broadcasting legend Jimmy Roberts, The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts goes far beyond the fairway. This isn't just another sports interview series; it's a deep exploration of the powerful forces and fascinating personalities driving the modern golf industry. Each episode features an intimate, one-on-one conversation with the executives, celebrities, and elite athletes who are actively shaping the game's future, from groundbreaking deals and major investments to the cultural trends redefining the sport. You'll hear candid stories and gain unparalleled access to the boardrooms and backstories behind the headlines. Presented by Big Swing Media, this podcast delivers a unique blend of sports, business, and insider perspective, offering listeners a sophisticated look at where the game is headed next. Tune in for thoughtful dialogues that reveal the strategy and passion fueling golf's biggest swings, both on and off the course.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 46

The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts
Podcast Episodes
S E37: How Stanford Built a Women’s Golf Powerhouse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:58
Stanford women’s golf has become one of the most dominant programs in college golf — but Anne Walker’s approach goes far beyond swing mechanics.In this episode of The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts, Jimmy sits down with St…
S E36: Tiger Woods’ Former Agent Finally Tells the Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:46
Before Tiger Woods became a global business empire, Hughes Norton was helping build the foundation.In this episode of The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts, Jimmy sits down with Hughes Norton — the legendary former IMG agent…
S E35: Golf’s Money Problem Is Finally Out in the Open [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:44
Golf is booming — but the business behind the game has never been more complicated.In this special live episode of The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts, recorded ahead of the U.S. Open, Jimmy sits down for two separate conve…
S E34: McLaren's Bold Bet on Golf with Hoyt McGarity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:49
Why would one of the most iconic brands in motorsports decide to enter one of the most competitive industries in sports?In this episode of The Big Swing, Jimmy Roberts sits down with Hoyt McGarity, President of 8AM Golf…
S E33: Arthur Blank Bet on Himself... and Won [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:42
How do you go from getting fired to building one of the most successful companies in American history?In this episode of The Big Swing, Jimmy Roberts sits down with Arthur Blank, the billionaire entrepreneur, philanthrop…
S E30: Paige Spiranac on Fame, Hate & Building a Golf Empire [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:19
Paige Spiranac became one of the most influential people in golf — but not without controversy, criticism, and constant public scrutiny.In this episode of The Big Swing, Jimmy Roberts sits down with Paige Spiranac for a…
S E29: How AI is Changing Golf Forever [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:17
AI is changing golf faster than almost anyone realizes.In this episode of The Big Swing, Jimmy Roberts sits down with members of the Big Swing Media team to break down the biggest trends shaping the future of the game —…
S E28: Jack Nicklaus Walked Away From Millions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:29
Jack Nicklaus turned down millions, and he’s completely at peace with it.In this episode of The Big Swing, Jimmy Roberts sits down with golf legend Jack Nicklaus to explore the business side of one of the greatest career…