National Golf Foundation announces leadership transition

National Golf Foundation Chairman and PING President and CEO John K. Solheim announced that Joe Beditz has been elected as NGF’s executive chairman, and Greg Nathan, who assumed the title of president earlier this year, will become CEO.

The moves, recently approved by the NGF’s board of directors, take effect Jan. 1, 2024.

“Joe has the longest leadership tenure in the organization’s history and has earned the respect of the dozens of industry leaders who have over the years served beside him on the NGF board of directors,” Solheim said. “We are very glad he’ll continue to work closely with the board and Greg on our strategic plans and programs at NGF.”

As CEO, Nathan will assume responsibility for the overall management of NGF, the trade organization for every golf-related business.

Beditz has held the role of president and CEO at NGF since 1989, positioning the organization as the most trusted source of accurate and objective insights on the state of the game and business of golf.

“After 35 years as CEO and 40 years in all with NGF, I thought it would be a good time to pass the baton and step away from the day-to-day operations while continuing to help the organization transition to the next generation of leadership,” Beditz said. “I am very proud and confident in the team at NGF, and Greg is well prepared to take on his new responsibilities.”

Nathan joined the NGF in 2007 as vice president following seven years with GOLF Magazine/GOLF.com, preceded by various positions in the New York advertising business. After serving as Chief Business Officer in recent years, Nathan was promoted to president and Chief Operating Officer in June.

“I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to build on NGF’s legacy of leadership,” Nathan said. “Joe has been a fantastic steward of the company and I’m grateful for his mentorship. Our team is dedicated to enhancing NGF’s capabilities to help the industry and the companies that operate in this amazing business.”

During his NGF 17-year tenure, Nathan has worked with virtually every type of golf business, helping with strategies supported by data, deep category knowledge and his broad network.

In addition to overseeing the NGF’s direct-to-consumer and business-to-facility products and services, Nathan recently led the creation of NGF’s digital marketing agency as a further benefit to the organization’s members and clients.