Tim Finchem, the Commissioner of the PGA Tour, has led the messages of goodwill to George O’Grady following the news he is to step down from the post of Chief Executive of The European Tour.
“On behalf of the PGA Tour, I want to congratulate George O’Grady on his exemplary 40-year career with The European Tour and thank him for his extraordinary leadership in the world of golf,” said Finchem.
“Under George’s direction and vision, The European Tour dramatically expanded the growth of golf around the world, bringing the game to vast audiences and influencing the development and popularity of golf across the globe.
“The introduction of the season-long Race to Dubai in 2009 brought an exciting and meaningful conclusion to The European Tour season each year and put an exclamation point on the dramatic growth in earnings opportunities for European Tour members under George’s leadership.
“George has been a great friend and collaborator to all professional tours through his active participation and leadership within the International Federation of PGA Tours and the growth of the World Golf Championships. And I think it is safe to say that golf’s inclusion in the Olympics would not have been possible without George’s leadership, vision and partnership in growing the game around the world.
“George’s true measure as a leader is reflected in the fact that he leaves The European Tour in a vastly better position than when he began his tenure. All of us at the PGA Tour wish George and The European Tour well in accomplishing a smooth transition. We’re delighted George will continue his involvement and leadership with respect to golf’s return to the Olympics in 2016. Given George’s accomplishments and contributions to the game of golf, we value his presence in our sport going forward.”
Similar sentiments were expressed by the Alex Salmond, the First Minster of Scotland.
“George has always shown tremendous support for the game in Scotland,” said the First Minster. “He played a key role in securing the future of The Scottish Open, which has become one of the Tour’s most iconic events, and was integral to the staging of the best ever Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in September.
“Under George’s leadership, The European Tour has experienced incredible growth and has firmly established itself as one of the most recognisable brands in sport. His vision and foresight has taken The Tour to the world, something it will continue to reap rewards from, and he leaves the game in an extremely strong place.
“George has been a credit to himself and The European Tour, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
Speaking on the Golf Channel, Ken Schofield, the man who George O’Grady succeeded as Chief Executive of The European Tour in January 2005, spoke warmly of his successor.
“We were a partnership for so long that when you hand in the badge as I did almost ten years ago, you hope that he and that scenario goes on forever. But as we all know nothing goes on forever. All I would say that when George does leave office it will be the end of an era and, I believe, the end of a great era.
“George, like myself, was recruited by John Jacobs who is regarded as the Founding Father of The European Tour. I can talk no higher of George than to say he is a John Jacobs man. I think for those of us who care and those of us who love the game of golf, that says it all.
“He has led the Tour with integrity, passion and commitment. George O'Grady is a straight shooter who cares for the people he works for and with, and those he partners with.
“The Ryder Cup at Gleneagles was not only a success for Paul McGinley and his European Team but the whole selling and broadcasting was an enormous success for the Tour. Those, and a number of other mainstream deals and sponsorships have put the Tour in a very strong position – all to George's great credit.”
