The International Golf Federation (IGF) elected Annika Sorenstam as its new president effective January 1, 2021. IGF President, Peter Dawson, is stepping down after 10  years of leadership and service.

“It has been a great pleasure and privilege to serve as IGF President,” Dawson said. “Golf’s reinstatement to the Olympic program was a landmark for our sport, and it was a true thrill to witness our return to Rio 2016. Our Olympic status has been a strong catalyst for increasing cooperation and coordination between the major organizations in golf and has significantly strengthened the bonds between the IGF and our National Federations.

“My thanks go to so many people in golf and in the Olympic family for their support over the past 10 years,” he added. “Their help and goodwill have been invaluable. I wish my successor, Annika Sorenstam, every success. The IGF could not be in better hands.”

IGF Board Chairman Jay Monahan commended Dawson for his decade of service with the IGF.

“On behalf of the IGF Board, I want to extend our sincere gratitude to Peter for the outstanding job he has done over the past decade on behalf of the IGF, including helping to assure golf’s highly successful return to the Olympic Games,” said Monahan, commissioner of the PGA Tour. “Peter has had a distinguished career dedicated to the growth of golf and the IGF has been fortunate to have him as such a strong advocate.

“With Peter’s impending departure, we are thrilled to have someone as accomplished and universally respected as Annika Sorenstam to move into the role as IGF President. As a generational talent in women’s golf, Annika played a prominent role in golf’s successful Olympic bid by serving as a Global Ambassador with Jack Nicklaus and since retiring from competition, has been dedicated to promoting women’s golf at all levels through her foundation. She is the ideal person to succeed Peter in this role.”

In addition to naming Sorenstam as the new IGF President, the Board appointed PGA Tour executive Ty Votaw to another term as IGF Vice President.

Photo courtesy IGF/Annika Sorenstam