PGA TOUR ENTERPRISE Formed as Tiger Woods and Others Join Board
Tiger Woods, the legendary golfer with 15 major championships under his belt, has been appointed as the vice chairman of the newly formed PGA Tour Enterprises’ board of directors. This move signals a significant shift in the PGA Tour’s approach to commercial activities, with a focus on enhancing fan engagement, driving growth, and exploring new…
Tiger Woods, the legendary golfer with 15 major championships under his belt, has been appointed as the vice chairman of the newly formed PGA Tour Enterprises’ board of directors. This move signals a significant shift in the PGA Tour’s approach to commercial activities, with a focus on enhancing fan engagement, driving growth, and exploring new revenue streams through media, sponsorship, and other commercial opportunities.
Joining Woods on the board are six Player Directors from the PGA Tour Policy Board: Patrick Cantlay, Peter Malnati, Adam Scott, Webb Simpson, and Jordan Spieth. Their inclusion ensures that the players’ perspectives and priorities are well-represented in the decision-making processes of PGA Tour Enterprises.
Additionally, the board has welcomed Joe Ogilvie, a former PGA Tour player, in the role of “Director Liaison,” tasked with facilitating communication and collaboration between the PGA Tour Policy Board and PGA Tour Enterprises’ board of directors.
In a joint statement, the Player Directors and Liaison Director expressed their enthusiasm for the opportunity to shape the future of the PGA Tour, emphasizing their commitment to creating added value for the organization while expanding its global fanbase.
Leading the charge on the executive side is PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, who will also serve as the CEO of PGA Tour Enterprises. Monahan’s leadership, coupled with the expertise and insights of the newly appointed board members, sets the stage for a transformative period in the PGA Tour’s history.
The board makeup reflects a strategic partnership with Strategic Sports Group (SSG), a consortium of prominent U.S. sports team owners. Notable figures from SSG include John Henry, principal owner of Fenway Sports Group; Arthur Blank, owner of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons; Andrew Cohen, vice chairman of MLB’s New York Mets; and Sam Kennedy, a partner in Fenway Sports Group. Their involvement underscores the commitment to leveraging their collective experience and resources to drive growth and innovation within the PGA Tour.
The formation of PGA Tour Enterprises stems from a broader strategic initiative that began last year, as the PGA Tour, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, and the Europe-based DP World Tour announced plans to consolidate their commercial operations. While discussions with the Public Investment Fund progressed, the emergence of SSG as a significant investor further solidified the vision for PGA Tour Enterprises.
With an initial investment of $1.5 billion and a focus on maximizing revenue generation for players while advancing the sport of golf globally, PGA Tour Enterprises is poised to usher in a new era of prosperity and opportunity for the PGA Tour and its stakeholders. The upcoming election of a chairman for the Enterprises Board marks another milestone in this journey towards sustainable growth and innovation in professional golf.
