Jupiter, Florida, United States: The National Golf Foundation (NGF), the only trade association that serves every sector of the golf business, has promoted Greg Nathan to the position of President and Chief Operating Officer. The move was effective from June 19.

Joe Beditz, who has filled the role of President and Chief Executive Officer since 1989, will remain CEO and continue to work closely with Nathan.

“It was unanimously decided at our recent Board meeting that Greg was ready to assume more responsibility for the operations of the National Golf Foundation, allowing Joe to focus more on strategic initiatives for the organisation,” said PING President and CEO John K. Solheim, Chairman of the NGF Board.

“In his 16 years representing the NGF, Greg has proven to be an invaluable, results-driven leader for our team and throughout the golf business,” said Beditz, who has been with NGF since 1984.

“He’s invested the energy to develop a deep understanding of virtually every part of the golf economy and earned a reputation as a valued advisor to both leading companies and start-ups. Greg brings keen insight, ideas and thoughtful solutions to our members and clients and they appreciate his genuine desire to help,” added Beditz.

Nathan joined the NGF in 2007 as Vice President following seven years with GOLF Magazine/GOLF.com, preceded by various positions in the advertising business.

His most recent role was as Chief Business Officer at NGF, which is known for thought leadership and market intelligence, and consulting and marketing capabilities.

During his NGF tenure, Nathan has worked with virtually every type of golf business, helping them with strategies supported by data, deep category knowledge and his broad network.

In addition to overseeing the NGF’s best-in-class direct-to-consumer and business-to-facility products and services, Nathan recently spearheaded the creation of NGF’s digital marketing agency as a further benefit to the organisation’s members and clients.

“I’m honoured by the confidence the Board and Joe have in me,” said Nathan. “I’m one of the luckiest people on earth. As a golf lunatic who loves business and helping people and companies, I’m excited to expand the ways NGF applies its unparalleled resources and people to support the industry.”