(ST. AUGUSTINE, FL) – Pete Bevacqua, the PGA of America’s Chief Executive Officer, has been named Chairman of World Golf Foundation (WGF)’s Board of Directors for 2015. Bevacqua succeeds Tim Finchem, Commissioner of the PGA TOUR, who served as the 2014 Board Chairman.Bevacqua became the PGA of America’s third CEO on Nov. 10, 2012. He guides the staff of the world’s largest sports organization in their dedication and service to the Association’s 28,000 men and women PGA Professionals, as well as to the golf industry.
In addition to his WGF role, Bevacqua serves as a member of leadership teams for the PGA World Alliance, GOLF 20/20 Executive Committee and the International Golf Federation’s work that will return golf to the Olympic Games in 2016. Before joining the PGA of America, he served as Chief Business Officer of the United States Golf Association (USGA) and Head of Global Golf for CAA Sports.
“Since joining the PGA of America over two years ago, I’ve enjoyed working closely with leaders of the game’s most influential organizations to create a more collaborative industry,” said Bevacqua. “It’s an honor to be selected as Chairman and I look forward to furthering our work in creating greater accessibility and sustainability to ensure golf’s continued vitality.”
“Pete has a wealth of golf industry experience in a variety of roles and we look forward to his leadership in 2015,” said Steve Mona, CEO of WGF.
Along with Bevacqua and Finchem, other WGF Board members include: Mike Davis, Executive Director of the USGA; Peter Dawson, Chief Executive of The R&A; Will Jones, Executive Director of The Masters Tournament Foundation; George O’Grady, Chief Executive of the PGA European Tour; and Mike Whan, Commissioner of the Ladies Professional Golf Association. Chris Normyle, Manager, Sponsorships and Events of the Shell Oil Company, also serves on the WGF Board as a representative of WGF’s Founding Partner.
About World Golf Foundation
The World Golf Foundation (WGF) is a nonprofit organization that develops and supports initiatives that positively impact lives through the game of golf and its traditional values. The Foundation, which was founded in 1993 and is supported by major international golf organizations and professional Tours, provides oversight to World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum, The First Tee, GOLF 20/20 and other industry initiatives in support of its mission. As sole founding partner of the World Golf Foundation, Shell Oil Company provides financial support and plays a lead role in charitable initiatives aimed at introducing golf to young people, and through the golf experience promotes scholastic achievement, community service and those values intrinsic to the game of golf: honesty, integrity and sportsmanship.
For more information about the WGF, visit www.worldgolffoundation.org.
