USGA Executive Director Mike Davis Named 2012 World Golf Foundation Chair
                                                                                            
 
St. Augustine, FL (January 11, 2012) - Mike Davis, Executive Director of the United States Golf Association (USGA) has been named Chairman of the World Golf Foundation's Board of Directors for 2012.  Davis succeeds The European Tour's Chief Executive, George O'Grady, who served as the 2011 Board Chairman.
 
Davis, who was named USGA Executive Director in March, 2011, has been with the Association for over 21 years.  He joined the organization in April 1990 where he served in various capacities in Rules & Competitions, including as U.S. Open Championship Director and later as Senior Director of Rules & Competitions, until being named Executive Director.

"I am both delighted and honored to assume the Chairman's role for 2012," said Davis. "The game of golf continues to be presented with challenges and opportunities around the world. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Foundation's Board and the organization's talented staff to ensure that the Foundation continues to play a leadership role in fostering the health, growth and development of the game."

"Mike, with decades of experience organizing and managing national championships, will bring a rich perspective as Chair of our Board," said Steve Mona, Chief Executive Officer of the World Golf Foundation. "His extensive knowledge and leadership in the golf industry will benefit our mission of supporting the growth of the game worldwide."
 
In addition to Davis and O'Grady, the other World Golf Foundation Board members are Jim Armstrong, Executive Director of The Masters Tournament; Peter Dawson, Chief Executive of The R&A; Tim Finchem, Commissioner of the PGA TOUR; Joe Steranka, Chief Executive Officer of the PGA of America; Michael Whan, Commissioner of the LPGA; and Jesse Saldivar, Senior Advisor, US Business Affairs of Shell Oil Company.

 
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.

About the USGA

The USGA conducts the U.S. Open, U.S. Women's Open and U.S. Senior Open, as well as 10 national amateur championships, two state team championships and international matches. Together with The R&A, the USGA governs the game worldwide, jointly administering the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status, Equipment Standards and World Amateur Golf Rankings. The USGA's working jurisdiction comprises the United States, its territories and Mexico.

The USGA is a global leader in the development and support of sustainable golf course management practices. It serves as a primary steward for the game's history and funds an ongoing "For the Good of the Game" charitable giving program. Additionally, the USGA's Course Rating and Handicap systems are used on six continents in more than 50 countries.

For more information about the USGA, visit www.usga.org.

Media Contacts:

Peggy Norton                               

904-940-4203                               

pnorton@worldgolffoundation.org   

__________________________               

Jeff Altstadter

908-234-2300 x1133

jaltstadter@usga.org