IGF Appoint New President in Reshape of Federation

The International Golf Federation (IGF) have appointed their first president, the governing body announced on Wednesday 15 December, as Royal and Ancient chief executive Peter Dawson.

Dawson, who has been joint secretary of the IGF since 1999, will serve a two-year term from January 1 alongside Ty Votaw, who has been appointed executive vice-president of the federation.

Votaw, a PGA Tour executive vice-president, co-ordinated golf’s bid to be included on the 2016 Olympic Games programme. Just over a year ago, golf and rugby sevens were confirmed as new Olympic sports.

Anthony Scanlon was introduced to IGF last month as the federation’s new executive director and the two new appointments represent a significant re-shuffle at the head of the IGF.

“These announcements, coupled with Antony Scanlon’s appointment as IGF executive director and our relocation to Lausanne, demonstrates golf’s determination to play an active part in the Olympic movement,” said Dawson.

Votaw added: “As we look ahead, the work has just begun in regard to the Olympic Games and the co-ordination efforts that are required in order to ensure success in Rio, but we very much look forward to the challenge.”