On this episode of the Sports Philanthropy Podcast, host Roy Kessel welcomes Rob Ohno, President & CEO of the ANNIKA Foundation. Rob traces his journey from a multi-sport Minnesota upbringing and Harvard hockey to 24 years at the PGA TOUR, and explains how the ANNIKA Foundation develops, empowers, and advances girls and women through golf — from junior clinics and collegiate events to the ANNIKA Women’s All Pro Tour and a new Inspiration Award. He shares lessons on leadership, resilience, and continuous improvement learned alongside Annika Sörenstam, and how the Foundation is scaling impact beyond any single event to help young athletes thrive in sport and in life.
Rob Ohno
Rob Ohno serves as the President and CEO of the ANNIKA Foundation, assuming the role in 2023 as the organization’s first chief executive. Under his leadership, the Foundation continues to champion its mission of developing, empowering, and advancing young women worldwide through golf and in life. Founded by legendary golfer Annika Sorenstam, the Foundation uniquely supports girls and women at every stage of their personal and athletic journeys — from youth to professional athletes and executive leaders — fostering confidence, character, and community through the game of golf.
Before joining the ANNIKA Foundation, Rob spent twenty-four years with the PGA TOUR, where he held a variety of influential leadership positions. His tenure began in 1999 in sponsorship and corporate marketing, later expanding into global business development. He eventually became the Head of International Tours, overseeing PGA TOUR operations across Latin America, Canada, and China. His visionary leadership helped elevate the global presence of professional golf and foster international partnerships that continue to shape the sport’s future.
Earlier in his career, Rob gained extensive experience in marketing, brand management, and business development. He held management roles at American Golf Corporation and served in brand management at General Mills, working on iconic brands such as Cheerios, Yoplait, and Betty Crocker. A graduate of Harvard University (B.A.) and the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University (M.B.A.), Rob also played collegiate and professional ice hockey, reflecting his lifelong passion for sports. Today, he resides in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, with his wife, Pam, and their two sons, Ben and Sam. Dedicated to service, he sits on the boards of the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) and the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and serves as a volunteer leader with the US-Japan Council.
ANNIKA Foundation
The ANNIKA Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing, empowering, and advancing young women around the world through golf and in life. Founded by golf legend Annika Sörenstam, the Foundation provides opportunities for girls and women at every stage of their personal and athletic journeys — from juniors to college athletes to aspiring professionals and executive women. Its mission combines athletic excellence with life skills education, encouraging healthy, active lifestyles through programs centered on fitness, nutrition, and character development. The Foundation’s core values — authenticity, humility, passion, inclusion, and making a difference — guide every aspect of its global impact.
Through a network of programs, tournaments, and community initiatives, the ANNIKA Foundation transforms its mission into tangible experiences that inspire and educate. Its flagship events include the ANNIKA Invitational and ANNIKA Intercollegiate, which bring together top junior and collegiate golfers from around the world. The Foundation also leads the “Share My Passion” clinics, where young girls write letters about their love for golf and are invited to participate in mentorship sessions with Annika and her team. Additionally, the ANNIKA Development Program supports recent college graduates transitioning to professional golf by offering financial aid, housing, and mentoring resources that nurture both athletic and personal growth.
Beyond player development, the Foundation actively promotes leadership, philanthropy, and equality in sports. It partners with global organizations, sponsors, and educational institutions to expand access and awareness for girls in golf. The Foundation also benefits from partnerships such as The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican, an LPGA Tour event that fuels fundraising and outreach initiatives. With Annika’s vision and a strong leadership team, the ANNIKA Foundation continues to inspire generations of women to pursue excellence — on the course and in life — creating a legacy of empowerment through sport.
0:02 – 1:20 | Early Sports Inspiration
Rob recalls growing up in Minnesota, where his father coached youth and high-school teams. Playing hockey, soccer, and baseball shaped his lifelong love for sports.
1:21 – 2:30 | Playing Multiple Sports
He discusses competing year-round in three sports and how each season’s game became his favorite — a contrast to today’s early specialization culture.
3:03 – 4:43 | Golf and Life Lessons
Rob explains how golf mirrors life, teaching patience, focus, and self-discipline. The ANNIKA Foundation helps girls broaden their perspective beyond the sport.
5:02 – 6:46 | Lessons from Athletics
Teamwork, leadership, dealing with success and failure, and continual improvement are among the key lessons Rob says he carries into his professional life.
6:58 – 8:43 | From Harvard to Business Career
After college hockey at Harvard and a year playing in Europe, Rob earned an MBA at Kellogg, worked at General Mills, and later pursued a career in golf management.
9:02 – 10:43 | Breaking into the Golf Industry
He took a bold six-month leave from General Mills to network full-time in golf — a leap of faith that launched his 27-year career in the sport.
11:15 – 14:44 | PGA TOUR Years
Rob describes 24 years at the PGA TOUR, rising to executive leadership, running global sponsorships, and overseeing international tours in Latin America, Asia, and Canada.
15:00 – 18:19 | Joining the ANNIKA Foundation
During COVID-19, he reassessed life and was inspired by Annika Sörenstam’s humility and vision to empower women through golf. He became the foundation’s CEO.
18:20 – 26:12 | Expanding the Foundation’s Reach
Rob details how the foundation doubled in size, adding programs like:
Junior & collegiate tournaments
ANNIKA Women’s All Pro Tour
Executive Women’s Golf Events
Integrating Annika’s life-lesson quotes to reach more participants without her constant travel.
30:29 – 33:12 | The ANNIKA Inspiration Award & Broader Mission
He announces the new award honoring alumnae who achieve greatness after golf—symbolizing Annika’s philosophy of “climbing new mountains” beyond the sport.
33:20 – 36:59 | Final Reflections & Vision
Rob shares his dream role—leading NCAA golf—to showcase more collegiate talent and inspire continuous improvement, echoing the foundation’s mission.
