GREG MCLAUGHLIN NAMED WGF CEO-1ST TEE PRESIDENT

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The World Golf Foundation announced this week that former Western Golf Association Tournament Director Greg McLaughlin, has been named as both World Golf Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President of The First Tee.

After leaving the Western Golf Association, McLaughlin served as President of the Tiger Woods Foundation for 14 years, and then in January of 2015 took over as CEO of the PGA Tour Champions.

McLaughlin is expected to direct the WGF, the First Tee and the World Golf Hall of Fame. He will serve as the ambassador and spokesman for the game of golf, in an effort to grow all three golf organizations and facilities.

“We are thrilled to welcome Greg to this incredibly important new role,” said Jay Monahan, World Golf Foundation Chairman and PGA Tour Commissioner. “I’m not sure we could have asked for a more quailfied, passionate leader, considering his deep level of experience and executive leadership success within the golf world and beyond. Given the scope of this newly consolidated role-to further the World Golf Foundation’s mission and build upon the vision of The First Tee-his proven ability to build relationships at the highest level of the sports, business and not-for-profit communities is unique and will be invaluable. This restructure represents an exciting evolution for the World Golf Foundation, and Greg is the perfect person to take the mantle.”

Greg McLaughlin current official PGA TOUR staff headshot.
(Photo by Chris Condon/PGA TOUR)

World Golf Foundation Board Member and LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan added,” Greg will be a perfect fit in this new role. He is an authentic proven leader who delivers on so many important attributes-he’s experience, passionate and a visionary. Specifically, I think Greg will instantly connect with First Tee chapters,donors and participants. With Greg at the helm, and given his ability to build lasting partnerships, this will be an exciting time for the First Tee, and the World Golf Foundation.”

“As a member of the greater golf community for more than 30 years, I have always been proud of what the collective efforts of our sport have done and continue to do to inspire communities and change lives, especially for young people who can learn and grow through the values of golf,” said McLaughlin. “This is an exciting time in the evolution of the World Golf Foundation and, specifically, The First Tee, and I am humbled by and excited for the opportunity to lead our industry’s efforts to increase participation and global awareness of golf as a sport that is welcoming to all.”

During his time at the PGA Tour Champions, McLaughlin helped creation the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs and add new sponsors and markets.

McLaughlin will be assisted in the transition by current WGF CEO Steve Mona, who will retire at the end of 2019. Jack Peter a golf industry leader with the PGA Tour and WG -HOF president is retiring at the end of the year. Miller Brady who has been with the tour for 19 years, will take over for McLaughlin on the PGA Tour Champions.

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About Rory Spears

Rory spent over 8 years growing up working at Rob Roy Golf Club in Prospect Hts.IL, then two years at Chevy Chase in Wheeling. He has covered golf in Chicago since 1986. Rory was one of the initial members of WSCR all-sports radio Chicago and covered golf there for 5 seasons, before moving on to work for ESPN/Sportsticker and ESPN Radio. In addition to hosting Golfers on Golf Radio on WCPT AM820 Chicago, he writes for both the Chicago District (CDGA) Magazine, and formerly Chicagoland Golf. Rory has played over 525 courses in 39 states, and rates golf courses. He does golf course management and communications consulting, within the golf industry.