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

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 TuesdaySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.