Broadcaster Iona Stephen has joined Today’s Golfer as a regular contributor to the magazine and the brand’s website, todays-golfer.com.
The former professional golfer will offer regular insight and opinion from her life covering the world’s biggest events and give a unique take on the biggest stories in the game.
Stephen’s career has seen her work for Sky Sports Golf, CBS, the BBC and NBC Golf Channel covering everything from The Masters and The Open, to the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup. She has also hosted prize presentations to a global audience at some of the DP World Tour’s flagship events.
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, where she is regularly seen interviewing the world’s best players during their rounds.
After a long-term wrist injury curtailed Stephen’s professional playing career, her insight, personality, and energy were quickly recognised by golf’s major networks. She has just returned from her covering The Masters, where she was widely praised for her presenting and commentary for CBS and the revered Masters.com.
Alongside her television work, Stephen also has her own YouTube channel – On The Road With Iona – which has welcomed guests including Jon Rahm, Niall Horan, Rick Shiels, Bronte Law and Martin Slumbers. She also has a sizeable social media following across her Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok pages.
Earlier this month saw Stephen make history as the first ever female on-course commentator in EA Sports gaming history with the release of PGA TOUR Road to The Masters. Alongside EA Sports, her other brand partners include Titleist, FootJoy, The R&A, Kjus and Loch Lomond Whiskies.
“I’m delighted to be joining Today’s Golfer and share my experiences and insights from the world of golf with such a large and engaged audience,” said Stephen, whose first column will appear in the next issue, which is out on May 4. “It’s a fascinating time for the game and we have an exciting year ahead with a Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup to look forward to as well as the men’s and women’s Majors and the ongoing battles between the tours, so I won’t be short of topics! I can assure you that I won’t shy away from the big talking points and I’m really looking forward to hearing readers’ feedback.”
Commenting on Stephen’s appointment as a columnist, Today’s Golfer Editor Chris Jones said: “I consider Iona to be one of the finest broadcasters in the game and she is a fantastic addition to our ever-growing team. She’s known throughout the golfing world as a trusted and fair voice and will bring incredible insight to our vast global audience.” he said.
Todays-golfer.com editor Rob Jerram added: “From our very first conversation, Iona demonstrated her desire to work with us and share her views to our vast audience of golfers. Her unrivalled knowledge and passion for the game shines through and her values align perfectly with ours. We cannot wait to share her insights and help grow what is already a huge Iona Stephen fanbase.”
Outside of golf, Stephen is an ambassador for the charity BIG CHANGE, supporting young people throughout the UK to thrive in life, not just exams. She also has an interest in optimising health and energy for elite performance in sport & life and has a diploma in sports nutrition and level 2 PT qualification. She is also a mentor as part of the Stephen Gallagher Foundation buddy system and has a degree in history of art from the University of St Andrews.