Jupiter, Florida, United States: The National Golf Foundation [NGF] has announced the election of Brendan Ripp and Dick Sullivan to the organisation’s Board of Directors.
Ripp and Sullivan are both accomplished executives who possess a wide range of experience serving golfers while helping them enjoy the game through their respective media and retail businesses.
As the only organisation that serves all segments of the business, the NGF maintains one of the most professionally diverse Board of Directors in the industry.
The 2016 Board is comprised of leaders from prominent industry associations and the equipment, turf maintenance, course management, travel, retail and media sectors.
“We are excited to add Brendan and Dick to the NGF board,” said Joe Beditz, President and Chief Executive Officer of the NGF. “They bring deep marketing, media and retail knowledge that will help us better serve our members, clients and the industry. I am grateful for their support, and the support of all our directors.”
NGF is best known for the independent and objective research it conducts on behalf of the golf business. The organisation also helps companies and golf facilities compete more effectively through the use of NGF’s research, marketing and consulting resources.
The Board helps guide the NGF’s business strategy, prosecute its higher-purpose initiatives and ensures that its research remains the most trusted and relevant in golf.
“The game of golf has a bright future ahead,” said Ripp, Group Publisher of Golf and Sports Illustrated. “I am excited to work with the NGF Board on behalf of this great game moving forward.”

Sullivan is equally excited to be joining the board of NGF, which will celebrate its 80th birthday in 2016. “NGF is uniquely positioned to help every type of business in our industry,” said Sullivan, President and Chief Executive Officer of PGA Tour Superstore. “I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to the success of the organisation and the business of golf.”
Ripp and Sullivan join eight serving members of the NGF’s Board of Directors which includes (in alphabetical order):

• David Abeles, President and CEO, TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company
  • Joe Louis Barrow Jr, CEO, The First Tee (Board Vice Chairman)
  • Joe Beditz, President and CEO, National Golf Foundation
  • Chip Brewer, President and CEO, Callaway Golf (Board Chairman)
  • Bill Brown Jr, Group Vice President, The Toro Company (Board Secretary/Treasurer)
  • Bill Golden, President, Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday
  • Peter Hill, Chairman and CEO, Billy Casper Golf
  • Sarah Hirshland, Senior Managing Director of Business Affairs, USGA