Nicklaus, who was golf’s most dominating player during his legendary career on the PGA Tour, has become the No. 1 name in US and international golf development through his Nicklaus Design firm. He has almost 400 designs open or under development in 43 countries and the Nicklaus brand has also been extended to a variety of other golf industry segments, including real estate development, equipment and apparel.
The 35 individuals on the international list, selected by Golf Inc. editors, were chosen for their ability to influence the development of courses and communities, the operation of courses, the equipment used by golfers and the rules and administration of the game.
“This is truly a worldwide list, reflecting the changing nature of the golf industry as more and more countries embrace the game,” said Chase Peckham, associate publisher of Golf Inc.
New to this year’s list are Nick Faldo (No. 20), who is making his mark as a course designer and broadcaster, Billy Payne (16), chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, Mark Woodward (33), chief executive officer of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, and Cindy Davis (34), president of Nike Golf.
Among the other high-profile individuals making the list are Tiger Woods (4), PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem (6), Greg Norman (11) Gary Player (13), European PGA Tour Executive Director George O’Grady (19) and Arnold Palmer (22).
Illustrating the international flavour of the golf industry, the list includes such global industry leaders as Dr. David Chu, chairman of the Mission Hills Group in China, David Spencer, CEO of Leisurecorp in Dubai, Marcel Welling, president of the European Golf Course Owners Association, and Peter Dawson, secretary of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.
Golf Inc.’s list of most powerful people in golf is featured in the October 2008 issue. To view the October issue visit http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/cypress/golfinc1008/