USGA Finds Next PR Director For Walter Driver To Blame**

His name is Chris Wightman, and while I'm still waiting on the USGA release, GolfDigest.com has an unbylined story that reads eerily like a press release about the poor bastard lucky recipient of Marty Parkes' old job.

Following a comprehensive national search, the United States Golf Association has named Christopher P. Wightman to the position of Managing Director, Communications. In this newly-created position, Wightman will oversee all communication functions and work across the organization to integrate the growing initiatives of the USGA.

"The addition of Chris, with his talents and experience, will help the USGA in identifying and presenting new, creative approaches to our programs and services," said USGA Executive Director, David Fay.

With 25 years of media expertise, Wightman brings the USGA a diverse and sophisticated background in publishing, broadcast, digital media, marketing and media relations. Wightman recently completed five years as Publisher of GOLF Magazine, one of the largest media companies serving the golf category.

Publisher of Golf Magazine to figuring out where to seat Art Spander in the press room? What an ascent!

Time for the quote pile-on:

"Our communication efforts at the USGA are expanding rapidly and Chris has a unique blend of communications, marketing and business skills that will help take our efforts to new and diverse venues," USGA Chief Business Officer Peter Bevacqua said. "As we continue to transform our approach to communications, public relations, branding and other related initiatives, his leadership and strategic guidance will be critical. Chris is exactly what we need and we are confident that his knowledge of the game, business acumen and rich professional experiences will help improve our approach to everything we do throughout the game of golf."

That ought to please the shareholders.

"My past 15 years serving the golf market gives me an important level of confidence as I join one of the most trusted brands in the world of sports," said Wightman. "To be part of the team that is driving the evolution of this historical organization and to build out dynamic new paths to its future success provides an inspirational challenge. And, as a life-long golfer, I am honored to be given the chance to enhance the incredible reputation of the USGA."

There's reputation to be enhanced?

Update on Monday, December 17, 2007 at 07:52 AM by Geoff

** Here's the USGA news release. Same text as the above story on GolfDigest.com.

Comments

[johnny knoxville]

oh my......didn't get very far before I puked on the branding word......had to swallow it so it didn't hit the keyboard

[Four-putt]

Anyone know where Marty Parkes is these days? On the GWAA website he's still listed with his address at Golf House.

He was one of the finest people I've ever worked with. Period.

4p