Jupiter, Florida, United States: Joe Beditz has been elected as National Golf Foundation (NGF) Executive Chairman, and Greg Nathan, who assumed the title of President earlier this year, will become Chief Executive Officer.

The moves, announced by NGF Chairman and PING President and CEO John K. Solheim and recently approved by the NGF’s Board of Directors, will take effect on January 1, 2024.

Solheim said: “Joe has the longest leadership tenure in the organisation’s history and has earned the respect of the dozens of industry leaders who have over the years served beside him on the NGF Board of Directors.

“We are very glad he’ll continue to work closely with the Board and Greg on our strategic plans and programmes at NGF.”

As CEO, Nathan will assume responsibility for the overall management of NGF, the trade organisation for every golf-related business.

Beditz has held the role of President and CEO at NGF since 1989, positioning the organisation as the most trusted source of accurate and objective insights on the state of the game and business of golf.

Beditz said: “After 35 years as CEO and 40 years in all with NGF, I thought it would be a good time to pass the baton and step away from the day-to-day operations while continuing to help the organisation transition to the next generation of leadership. I am very proud and confident in the team at NGF, and Greg is well prepared to take on his new responsibilities.”

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

After serving as Chief Business Officer in recent years, Nathan was promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer in June.

“I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to build on NGF’s legacy of leadership,” Nathan said. “Joe has been a fantastic steward of the company and I’m grateful for his mentorship. Our team is dedicated to enhancing NGF’s capabilities to help the industry and the companies that operate in this amazing business.”

During his NGF 17-year tenure, Nathan has worked with virtually every type of golf business, helping 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.