Golf Inc. - October 2008 - (Page 22)

Most As golf spreads its inﬂuence into more Power People By Jim Dunlap & Keith Carter corners of the globe, it’s still the Golden Bear who stands at the top of Golf Inc.’s annual list of the industry’s most powerful individuals A nyone who doubts the changing nature of the golf industry only needs to look at the initial list of the Most Powerful People in Golf. Of the 25 people on the list in 1999, just 10 remain today. But the name at the top is a familiar one. For the fifth year in a row, Jack Nicklaus was selected by Golf Inc. editors for the top spot in the annual global rankings. The individuals on list were selected for their ability to influence the development of courses and communities, the operation of courses, the equipment used by golfers and the rules and regulations of the game. And it’s truly a worldwide list, reflecting the changing nature of the golf industry as more and more countries embrace the game. When it comes to setting trends and commanding the respect of the global golf industry, no one surpasses the Golden Bear. The services of his design firm are in demand just as much in Dubai as in Dallas. Last year, he opened 17 courses and expects to open 20 in 2008. Over the past eight years, his firm has averaged opening 16 courses a year. His designs are open for play in 32 countries and has projects signed, under design or under development in 43 different countries. The Nicklaus brand also is being extended to real estate development, with 25 communities carrying his name under development across the globe. And his name continues to adorn a variety of equipment and apparel lines. Some individuals took big jumps up the list. The increasing clout of the oilrich Middle East emirates helped propel Leisurecorp’s David Spencer from 18th to ninth. And David Chu, the visionary behind the landmark Mission Hills Golf Club in China, also catapulted from 16 into the top 10. Others fell as their influence waned because of weaker company performances or they took new roles within the industry. With that, we present the Most Powerful People in Golf for 2008. 22 Golf Inc. October 2008 photo © Jim Mandeville/Nicklaus Design

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Golf Inc. - October 2008 Contents From the Editors: Smaller is Less Costly Survey Reveal Golf's Economic Impact in EMA Private Club Managers Earn Bigger Salaries Dyes Mourn Loss of Family Member Changing Demographics Impact European Golf Scene RDC Golf Group Finds Affordable Golf Niche Links at Summerly Offers Unique Twist Cost Crunch Most Powerful People in Golf Contractors Focus on Renovations, International�Projects Troon, IMG Reach Into Booming Middle East Market Americas Recap: New Player Design in Mexico Europe-Africa Recap: Moroccan Lakeside Development Asia-Australia Recap: 3 Billion Dollar Resort in Vietnam The Last Word: There's No Substitute for Good Friends on a Golf Course

Golf Inc. - October 2008

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