The USGA Hired its First Ever Senior Director Of Player Relations

With the first major of the PGA TOUR season right around the corner, it seems as though the golf world is in a depressed state. With so many players and fans coming out against many of the changes that have taken place this season, the USGA is attempting to combat the negativity.

One of the biggest complaints from players this season is that their thoughts are not taken into account in decision-making processes. The USGA has attempted to curb this issue, however, by creating a new position that they are calling the Senior Director of Player Relations. The position is intended to give players an opportunity to work with the USGA on important issues in the game of golf.

The USGA also named the man who will take the position, former player Jason Gore. The 44-year old Gore wasn’t much of a factor on the PGA TOUR as a player, winning once on the top tour and 11 other events in more minor tours. But Gore has always been well-liked by other players and will be a welcoming face for players that look to engage with the USGA.

Jason Gore of the United States and Alfonso Ribeiro talk during the…

Jason Gore of the United States and Alfonso Ribeiro talk during the first round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at Monterey Peninsula Country Club Shore Course on February 07, 2019 in Pebble Beach,… Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images

The official statement from the USGA is that the new role will be used to interact with players on all levels as it pertains to USGA championship events. As for Gore taking the job, the USGA is happy with their choice, with Championships Senior Managing Director, John Bodenhamer stated that “Jason is a dynamic individual who has a great passion for the USGA and the game of golf and is widely recognized and respected by Tour players and staff, as well as industry influencers.”

While it hasn’t been explicitly stated, the bringing in of Gore is likely to help offset the issues that the golf world has endured with the Official Rules of Golf changes that have taken place this year. Many top players have openly criticized the new rules and many of the interactions Gore has with players will likely revolve around that issue for the time being.

While the USGA may have been coaxed into creating this position because of the golf climate, it’s not a bad idea at all. Players should have an opportunity to provide input into the infrastructure that they participate within and this position should give them more power in that aspect moving forward.

Cover Photo via Twitter