Alex Withers Named Director Of New Media At USGA

August 21, 2007
E-mail address: mediarelations@usga.org

Far Hills, N.J. — Alex Withers, who has been marketing director for ESPN's new media for the past year, has joined the United States Golf Association in the newly created post of director of new media. The announcement was made by Peter Bevacqua, USGA chief business officer.

In this new position, Withers will be responsible for overall online and new media functions of the USGA, with the goal of maximizing online advertising, partnerships, e-commerce initiatives and industry events to increase revenue and improve the USGA's core functions.

Withers has more than 10 years of marketing and product development experience across a range of global brands. While at ESPN, he managed the marketing strategy and brand positioning for both ESPN.com and ESPN360.com, which included the launch of the myESPN personalization tool as well as the sites' networking platforms. Prior to his work with ESPN, he oversaw marketing, digital and branding initiatives for the Financial Times and Pepsi Cola.

"As an avid golfer, I'm looking forward to putting the USGA front and center among the next generation of golfers via the online platform," Withers said. "This is an exciting time for the USGA, as we are tasked with the responsibility of maintaining the history and tradition of golf, while helping the sport come of age in a digital world."

"Alex is a perfect fit for the USGA and the ideal person to bring our digital vision to life," Bevacqua said. "A key growth driver and top priority for the USGA is to make our organization more relevant and appealing to a younger generation of digitally savvy golfers. We're looking forward to more connection with them online and, in doing so, making it possible for our Members to connect with each other and the great game of golf."

Withers earned his Bachelor of Science honors degree in business administration from Britain's Cardiff University. He resides in New York.

The USGA is the national governing body of golf in this country and Mexico, a combined territory that includes more than half the game's golfers and golf courses.

The Association's most visible role is played out each season in conducting 13 national championships, including the U.S. Open, U.S. Women's Open and U.S. Senior Open. Ten additional USGA national championships are exclusively for amateurs, and include the U.S. Amateur and the U.S. Women's Amateur.

The USGA also writes the Rules of Golf, conducts equipment testing, maintains an official Handicap System and administers an ongoing "For the Good of the Game" grants program, which has allocated more than $56 million over 10 years to programs that seek to grow the game. For more information, visit www.usga.org.