About NGF

The President's Page

Personal Perspective from NGF President & CEO Greg Nathan

Greg Nathan became president and CEO of National Golf Foundation in January 2024, succeeding industry legend Joe Beditz.

Nathan joined the NGF in 2007 and works closely with the CEOs and leadership teams from companies in every sector, and is one of the foremost speakers on the state of the golf industry. Golf businesses value Nathan’s insightful perspective, broad and deep category knowledge, and a network of contacts that could challenge Kevin Bacon for degrees of separation. Nathan was recently listed in Golf Inc. Magazine’s 25 Most Powerful People in Golf.

Greg's Full Bio

In The News

NGF’s Nathan Among Golf Inc.’s Most Powerful Industry Leaders

NGF President and CEO Greg Nathan, who in 2024 succeeded Joe Beditz in overseeing the organization on a day-to-day basis, is among 25 industry leaders recognized by Golf Inc. among the Most Powerful People in Golf. Nathan is one of two first-timers to join the list.

Golfdom Talks Graffis Report With Greg Nathan

Greg sits down with Golfdom for a Q&A on the Graffis Report, providing a state-of-industry overview, discusses "generational positivity," and detailing why its a great time to be in the golf business.

Golf Talk Live Interview with NGF’s Greg Nathan

In this compelling Golf Talk Live podcast (March 2025), Greg explores the evolving landscape of golf and the diverse ways enthusiasts engage with the sport today, providing a deeper understanding of the current state and future direction of the game.

Golfweek: 10 Questions with NGF's Greg Nathan

During the week of the PGA Merchandise Show, Golfweek’s Adam Schupak conducted a Q&A with Greg on a number of topics pertaining to the golf business and to get a better sense of what we can expect for the industry in 2025.

Greg reflects on Year 1 as CEO, discusses whether the momentum around recreational golf is sustainable, reflects on golf’s improving image, and touches on some of the places the industry needs to evolve and improve.

2024 Was a Continuation of an Exciting Era

Golf continues to evolve. Those who’ve been around the game for a while know it changes rather glacially. 2024 continued a progressive and exciting era in our sport. The game’s traditions are still being honored. It’s ageless spirit and sense of community preserved. But the ways in which consumers are engaging with golf and consuming the game are growing and changing.

Looking Back / Looking Ahead

2023 was a very positive year for the golf business. The professional game has a way of dominating the media narrative on golf – and there was no shortage of passionate opinion in the coverage of competing tours and distance regulation. However, the recreational side of the game might actually be the bigger story, thriving with a continued resurgence not seen in decades.

Golf Sustainability Podcast - Dec. 2023

Greg sits in with host John Failla for an in-depth exploration of the dynamic world of off-course golf and its profound impact on the golf industry. Greg presents data on the remarkable growth of off-course golf participation and underscores the pivotal role of off-course golf in making golf more accessible and enjoyable, particularly for newcomers and casual players

Watch / Listen

NGCOA's Golf Business LIVE - Dec. 2023

Greg joins Jay Karen (CEO, NGCOA) and Don Rea, PGA (Vice President, PGA of America) to recap an eventful year in golf for 2023 and look ahead at what’s in store for 2024. Greg shares the latest industry data, discusses golf’s dress code culture, and talks about takeaways from the NCGOA’s 2024 Golf Industry Compensation and Benefits Report, for which NGF’s research team helped survey owners and operators.

Watch / Listen

The Fried Egg Podcast

Greg speaks with Garrett Morrison, host of The Fried Egg golf podcast, about the state of the golf industry. Greg and Garrett discuss the nature of recreational golf’s “pandemic-era bump,” the overall health of the golf business, the future of golf course development, new courses, and more.

Watch / Listen

NGF Announces Leadership Transitions, Including New CEO

“I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to build on NGF’s legacy of leadership,” said Nathan, who joined the organization in 2007 following seven years with GOLF Magazine/Golf.com. “Joe (Beditz) has been a fantastic steward of the company and I’m grateful for his mentorship. Our team is dedicated to enhancing NGF’s capabilities to help the industry and the companies that operate in this amazing business.”

Greg's Bio

Greg Nathan

President and Chief Executive Officer

Greg Nathan became president and CEO of National Golf Foundation in January, 2024, succeeding industry legend Joe Beditz.

Nathan joined the NGF in 2007 and works closely with the CEOs and leadership teams from companies in every sector and is one of the foremost speakers on the state of the golf industry. Golf businesses value Nathan’s insightful perspective, broad and deep category knowledge, and a network of contacts that could challenge Kevin Bacon for degrees of separation. Nathan was recently listed in Golf Inc. Magazine’s 25 Most Powerful People in Golf.

Prior to NGF, Greg was a marketing and brand executive with GOLF Magazine/GOLF.com and a Madison Avenue ad agency suit. Greg knew in his early 20s that he wanted to work in golf… and his passion led him to his “needle in a haystack” position at the NGF. He’s made it his life’s work to figure out how many golf businesses he can help.

Greg loves playing the game, and is a full-blown architecture nerd and GOLF Magazine course panelist who has played more than 80 of the Top 100 Courses in the U.S. Greg grew up in White Plains, NY and graduated Lehigh University with a B.S. in Economics. His foursome includes wife Alyson, son Jack and daughter Bailey and he lives in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.

Fun Facts

Favorite Sports Movie?

Dumb question... Caddyshack

Best Shot?

Glad you asked!

https://golfweek.usatoday.com/2022/12/14/golf-industry-veteran-hole-in-one-par-4-bill-murray/

Dream Foursome

Mark Messier, Arnold Palmer, Dennis Bergkamp and Jerry Garcia... since I'm playing... it's a fivesome!

Favorite Course(s)

Final round of my life: Cypress Point
Play only one course for the rest of my life: National Golf Links of America
The ultimate design: Pine Valley

Bucket List Course You Can't Believe You Haven't Played Yet?

St Andrews Old Course (okay, and Augusta National too)