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Jan 5, 2017

LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan Named World Golf Foundation Chairman for 2017

The World Golf Foundation (WGF) has announced that Mike Whan, LPGA Commissioner, has been named WGF Chairman for 2017 by the Board of Directors. He succeeds Tim Finchem, who recently retired as PGA Tour Commissioner.

“It is an honor to serve World Golf Foundation and I look forward to continued collaboration among golf’s leading organizations,” Whan said. “We made impressive strides as an industry in 2016 by bringing golf back to the Olympics, and our momentum is strong heading into 2017.”

Nearly seven years ago, Whan assumed his role at the LPGA and has greatly enhanced business relationships while increasing exposure for players to engage new global audiences into becoming lifelong, passionate fans. The LPGA is one of the longest-running and most successful women’s sports organizations in the world. The 2017 LPGA Tour schedule features 35 events (including four new ones) and a record $67.35 million in total official prize money.

Mike Whan talks a good game, but also shows he has game by hitting a shot during a contest on the range at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Wash. in the lead-up to the successful 2016 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. (Photo © Rob Perry)

Whan launched his business career at Procter & Gamble in 1987, before pursuing his passion for sports. In 1994-95, he served as vice president and general manager at the Wilson Sporting Goods Company, where he was responsible for all aspects of the golf ball and glove business. Whan also served in other various management positions with Britesmile, Mission-Itech Hockey and TaylorMade Golf Company prior to joining the LPGA.

“Mike brings significant experience and unique insights to the Board of Directors with a distinct priority on growing the game globally,” said Steve Mona, CEO of WGF. “We are confident, under Mike’s leadership, that our industry will continue to reach new heights on a worldwide basis.”

Along with Whan, other WGF Board members include: Pete Bevacqua, CEO of the PGA of America; Mike Davis, Executive Director of the USGA; Will Jones, Executive Director of The Masters Tournament Foundation; Jay Monahan, Commissioner of the PGA Tour; Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the PGA European Tour; and Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of the R&A. Chris Normyle, Manager, Sponsorships and Events of the Shell Oil Company, also serves on the Board as a representative of WGF’s Founding Partner.

For more information, visit www.worldgolffoundation.org.

Mike Whan (far right) addresses the media during an event leading up to last year’s KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. (Photo © Rob Perry)

About World Golf Foundation
The World Golf Foundation (WGF) is a nonprofit organization that unites the golf industry in support of initiatives that enhance the growth of, and provide access to, the game of golf worldwide, while preserving golf’s traditional values and passing them on to others. 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.