Meet the Team: Rosie Espley, VP, Golf Events

To start us off, what’s the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions The Open?

When I think of The Open, I think of its incredible history; it’s the oldest major in golf dating back to 1860, so it carries a real sense of tradition and prestige. It’s also the ultimate test of golf. You have the world’s best players competing, and not just against each other but also against the elements. This Championship has also seen some of the greatest champions in the sport’s history which makes it feel even more special.

What does your role at IMG look like across The Open, from early planning through to delivery on-site?

As the lead for IMG’s event delivery team, I support The R&A throughout the full lifecycle of The Open, from early planning stages through to on-site delivery and post-event debrief. I have a specific focus on player services, ensuring every interaction players have with the Championship is seamless and reflective of The Open’s prestige. My role is all about ensuring IMG supports the R&A in delivering a world-class Championship that stands out from all the rest.

During the planning phase, I work closely with both internal IMG teams and external partners to coordinate staffing, player logistics, partner activation and event delivery.  I also support The R&A in organising player appearances, including Q&A sessions in hospitality, Patron visits, interviews for broadcasters and content capture for The Open’s various channels.

On-site, I support The R&A with the real-time delivery of all player-facing services and activities. This includes transport operations, accreditation processes, player movements, and media and sponsor appearances. I work closely with The R&A and other key stakeholders to ensure smooth, consistent execution across all areas.

Post-event, I support debriefs and reporting, reviewing feedback with The R&A to go through what worked well and identify areas for improvement for the following year.

The Open moves to a new venue each year. Is there a moment where it suddenly feels real?

Yes definitely, the moment you arrive onsite and see the structures in place – especially the 18th green arena and grandstands – it hits you what a huge build it is and how much work has gone into the event to get it to this point.  Also, as we walk out of The Open Clubhouse on the Saturday evening before players get into the locker room and facilities for the first time on Sunday, it’s always nice to take a deep breath soak it all in!

Working in support of The R&A, what does successful collaboration look like in practice, especially when so many teams are involved?

I believe successful collaboration is all about listening first and understanding what each team needs, and then making sure we step in to support where it’s most valuable. It’s not about doing everything, but about being responsive and reliable, and aligned with the shared goal of delivering the best possible championship. That mutual trust and respect especially with The R&A is what makes everything work when we are on the ground.

With an event of this scale, what’s one challenge your team faces that people might not expect?

One challenge people might not realise is just how unpredictable the event can be. Plans can change last-minute due to weather delays, player schedules, or partner needs, and we have to respond quickly while still making sure everything is running smoothly behind the scenes. It takes constant communication between the team as well as quick decision-making, and a calm approach to keep things on track without it ever feeling chaotic.

How do you keep your team aligned and motivated across such a long and intense delivery period, especially during Championship week?

We’re really lucky to have a passionate and experienced team who genuinely enjoy what they do. Everyone always arrives on-site with great energy and enthusiasm. We are lucky to work with a group of people who are willing to help each other in any and every area even if it isn’t their direct responsibility.  I make sure to have regular check-ins with the team and factor in time for breaks, and maybe the occasional team dinner. Even during the busiest moments, the team spirit and pride in the event always keep motivation high.

Is there a moment from any recent Open that really captures why you do what you do?

Last year, when Xander Schauffele won The Open, I was standing with his family at the side of the 18th green as he was presented the Claret Jug. Seeing the emotion on his and his family’s faces, the pride, relief and pure joy showed how much The Open means, not just to the players but everyone around them. It reminded me why we put so much care and detail into every aspect of what we do. Making sure every player and their family has the best possible experience is something I’m proud to be a part of.

Golf has a unique pace and atmosphere. How does that shape the way you approach event support and operations compared to other sports?

Golf presents a very different set of challenges compared to other sports. The days are long, and The Open often brings unpredictable weather that can cause delays or sudden changes. Unlike sports like tennis or football where activity is concentrated in one area, golf spans a huge site with players spread across multiple holes. This requires a lot of coordination and flexibility, as we need to be ready to respond quickly across multiple locations at once, while keeping everything seamless from the players’ perspective.

When the event wraps, what does success feel like to you, and how do you measure it?

I think success is seeing the team walk away from an event, proud of what we’ve delivered. When you reflect on everything that’s been achieved, often under pressure and in changing conditions, and know that we’ve helped deliver a world-class championship, that’s a huge reward.

Finally, for someone hoping to work in event delivery at this level, what advice would you give that goes beyond the usual?

My biggest piece of advice is to stay flexible. No matter how much you plan, events are constantly changing, so the ability to adapt quickly and stay calm under pressure is really important. It’s not just about problem-solving but also about doing it with a mindset that keeps the team moving forward.

Quick Fire Round

• Most played track on your playlist right now? LOVE – Kendrick Lamar
• Event go-to snack or meal? Coffee, americano, black, iced or hot!
• Favourite film of all time? Remember the Titans