LET role for Golf Foundation chief

Mike Round is to join the Ladies European Tour as its director of development and membership after 14 successful years as the Golf Foundation’s chief executive.

Charles Harrison, chairman of the Golf Foundation, expressed the appreciation of the trustees and funding partners for the outstanding job that he has done.

Round joined the Golf Foundation at the beginning of 1998 as the organisation’s first ever development officer and went on to oversee the impressive growth of the organisation’s operations and its impact on its key stakeholders. 

Ivan Khodabakhsh, chief executive officer of the LET, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mike to the team and believe that his experience in growing the game will be a valuable asset as the LET aspires to richer integration with amateur and grass roots organisations as well as stronger development of member education and services.

“The Ladies European Tour is one of the world’s leading professional golf tours and with golf’s inclusion in the Olympic programme, it is important that we take a leadership role in the game’s development.

“The LET wants to enable more young people to become involved with the sport and support their career progression.”

Round commented: “I have really enjoyed my time at the Golf Foundation and am grateful to the staff, trustees and others for the help and support I’ve been given over the years.  I’m now looking forward to taking on this exciting new challenge with the Ladies European Tour.”

The Golf Foundation’s trustees have commenced the process of finding a successor and expect to attract a list of strong candidates to take the Golf Foundation through to its next stage.

In the meantime the Foundation will maintain its focus on introducing children to the joys and challenges of playing golf, with the aim of preparing them for regular play.