R&A chief Peter Dawson becomes chairman

of The World Golf Foundation for 2009

The World Golf Foundation has named Peter Dawson, chief executive of The R&A, as its chairman for 2009.
Founded in 1993, the foundation is a non-profit organisation and provides oversight to The First Tee, Golf 20/20 and other industry initiatives. Supported by major international golf organizations and professional tours, it also oversees the World Golf Hall of Fame.
“Golf’s global growth continues to present challenges to golf organisations around the world,” Dawson said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on the foundation’s board and staff to ensure that the foundation is playing a leading role in the development of the game.”
Dawson joined the foundation board in 2006, when it was reconfigured to include the chief executives of golf’s leading global organisations. At that time, the foundation also decided to rotate the chairman’s role among members of the board’s executive committee.
Dawson succeeds David Fay, USGA executive director, who served as chairman in 2008.
In addition to Dawson and Fay, the other executive committee members are:
Jim Armstrong, executive director of Augusta National Golf Club; Carolyn Bivens, LPGA commissioner; Tim Finchem, US PGA Tour commissioner; George O’Grady, chief executive of the European Tour; and Joe Steranka, chief executive of the PGA of America.