Peter Dawson, Chief Executive of The R&A, has served as Joint Secretary of the International Golf Federation (IGF) since 1999. Ty Votaw, an Executive Vice President at the PGA TOUR, served as Executive Director of the IGF Olympic Golf Committee, which coordinated golf’s Olympic bid, from July 2008 until 1 November 2010.
In October 2009, the bid process culminated in the International Olympic Committee voting golf and rugby sevens on to the programme of Olympic sports commencing in 2016.
”I am honoured to become the first President of the International Golf Federation,” Dawson said. “Today’s announcements, coupled with Antony Scanlon’s appointment as IGF Executive Director and our relocation to Lausanne, demonstrates golf’s determination to play an active part in the Olympic Movement.With the collective strength of the world’s leading golf organisations behind us, I am confident that the IGF is well-placed to meet the challenges that lie ahead.”
“It is gratifying to have the confidence of the IGF Board and I look forward to continuing to work with Peter on behalf of the IGF and the sport as a whole,” Votaw said. “As we look ahead, the work has just begun in regard to the Olympic Games and the coordination efforts that are required in order to ensure success in Rio. But we very much look forward to the challenge.”
Both Dawson and Votaw will continue in their existing roles with their respective organisations.
Alongside Dawson and Votaw, the IGF Board of Directors also includes: John Byers, Director of Rules and International Affairs of the Brazil Golf Confederation; David Fay, Executive Director of the United States Golf Association; Tim Finchem, Commissioner of the PGA TOUR; Jane Geddes, LPGA Senior Vice President, Tournament Operations and Player Services; George O’Grady, Chief Executive of the European Tour; Joe Steranka, Chief Executive Officer of the PGA of America; and Dilip Thomas, Council Member of the Indian Golf Union. Jane Geddes has been elected as the Chairman of the Board.
The IGF was founded in 1958 to encourage the international development of the game and to employ golf as a vehicle to foster friendship and sportsmanship. Recognised by the International Olympic Committee as the official international federation for golf, the IGF comprises 127 Federations from 122 countries.
International Golf Federation www.internationalgolffederation.org