Golf Inc. magazine unveiled its 2011 list of the Most Powerful People in Golf, and Tiger Woods is absent for the first time. The top spot also changed for the second year in a row.
Last year, Eric Affeldt, CEO of ClubCrop moved into the top spot, replacing Jack Nicklaus. This year, Dana Garmany is no. 1. Garmany returned to lead the world’s largest management company after a year away. The list continues to be dominated by management company executives.
Tiger Woods was placed on the power list when it premiered in 1998, largely based on what he could do. But just when he started to take an active interest in the business of golf, his divorce led to a sharp and sudden fall. His return to tournament play has been plagued by injuries that had him sitting out both the U.S. and British Opens and withdrawing from the Players Championship after only nine holes. Woods capped off the summer by firing his long-time caddy following his drop below number 20 in world rankings. He even lost more endorsements, and this year.
Opportunistic buyers are starting to make waves in the industry and on the Power list, including Peter Nanula, who returns to the ranking for the first time in more than 10 years. Rai Sahi and Joe Munsch fared better this year now that they are buying distressed courses.
Those working in China continue to see their power rating rise, including David and Ken Chu (moving up to No. 4) and Wang Jun, who joins our list for the first time. Overall, there are nine new people on the list this year — the second year in a row we have seen turnover greater than 20 percent.
Below are the top 10. For a complete list visit the digital version of Golf Inc. magazine.
1. Dana Garmany
CEO, Troon Golf
2010 Ranking: NR (#2 in 2009)
United States
2. Eric Affeldt
CEO, ClubCorp
2010 Ranking: 1
United States
3. Jack Nicklaus
CEO, Nicklaus Design
2010 Ranking: 3
United States
4. David and Ken Chu
Chairman, Vice Chairman and CEO, Mission Hills Group
2010 Ranking: 9
China
5. Peter Hill
CEO, Billy Casper Golf
2010 Ranking: 4
United States
6. Gary Player
CEO, Gary Player Design/Black Knight International
2010 Ranking: 5
South Africa
7. Tim Finchem
CEO, PGA Tour
2010 Ranking: 6
United States
8. Peter Dawson
Chief Executive, R&A Group
2010 Ranking: 12
United Kingdom
9. George O’Grady
Executive Director, European PGA Tour
2010 Ranking: 19
United Kingdom
10. Steve Skinner and Josh Lesnik
Chairman and CEO, KemperSports
2010 Ranking: 7 (Steve Skinner and Steve Lesnik)
United States
For the complete list of Golf Inc.’s Most Powerful People in Golf, found in the Fall 2011 issue, CLICK HERE.