The U.S. Golf Manufacturers Council, an affiliate of the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), announced the election of Rawleigh Grove, VP and general counsel at Ping, as its new chairman. The announcement was made at the conclusion of the USGMC's annual meeting held at the PGA Merchandise Show.
ADVERTISEMENT "I am honored to have been elected by my peers as Chairman to lead the USGMC," said Grove. "It's an exciting time for our industry as golf will be an Olympic sport in 2016 and our work with growing the game initiatives such as Golf 20/20 and Get Golf Ready are starting to show results. Over the course of my term, I will work with my fellow council members to ensure that we achieve goals that benefit the entire golf manufacturers industry."
"Rawleigh has been a leader within the USGMC since its inception," said SFIA President and CEO Tom Cove. "He has played a vital role with the USGMC's healthy relationship with golf's major ruling bodies, the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal & Ancient (R&A). Rawleigh's contributions and leadership qualities are just what the USGMC needs to carry on the success the council has achieved thus far, and what it will continue to achieve in the future."
Grove succeeds Peter Broome (Vice President, Titleist US Business Partnerships: Acushnet), who served as chairman from 2012-2014. "Rawleigh is the perfect fit to take over the helm of the USGMC," said Broome. "If his past accomplishments within the Council are any indicator, the USGMC has an even brighter future. I am happy to pass on the torch to someone respected within our industry."
The goal of the USGMC is to facilitate the constructive involvement of its members with regard to the key issues affecting the game of golf, including the growth of the game worldwide, while recognizing and maintaining the diverse and competitive nature of golf's leading organizations and the Council's membership.
