The National Golf Foundation, 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 June 19, 2023.
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 organization,” said PING President and CEO John K. Solheim, the 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.”
Nathan joined the NGF in 2007 as Vice President following seven years with GOLF Magazine/GOLF.com, preceded by various positions in the N.Y. 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 organization’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.”
The National Golf Foundation is a dynamic membership organization supported and trusted by thousands of golf related businesses and individuals who rely on NGF to provide the most up-to-date, accurate and objective insights on the state of the game and business of golf. It is the only trade association for everyone in the golf business, advocating for growth by educating and connecting its members.
NGF is also the leading marketing services provider in golf, leveraging a database of 2.5 million golfers and the industry’s most comprehensive worldwide database of golf facilities. Additionally, NGF’s research arm works with individual companies to help them better understand their markets and grow their businesses. The organization’s 501(c)3 education division is currently focused on improving the onboarding of new and returning adult golfers.
