PGA Tour Policy Board Adds Kleiner Perkins Internet Expert, But Will They Opt Out September 1?

I know you all recall that I wrote about the May-PGA move in the August Golfweek. But just in case, a reminder that the piece included a mention of September 1 as the PGA Tour's deadline to opt out its current network television deal. If they do not, the current contract with CBS and NBC is likely to continue as-is until 2021.

Given the uncertainty over schedule dynamics, declining ratings and the uncertain state of television, logic would say wait things out and open up negotiations in two years when the dust has settled.

Countering that thinking was Monday's announcement of Mary Meeker joining the PGA Tour Policy Board. Meeker is a partner in Kleiner Perkins, Silicon Valley's most prestigious venture capital firm and is considered an expert on internet trends.

I believe this announcement also makes her the first woman to serve on the PGA Tour Policy Board. She gets a huge break out of the chute for liking golf architecture, too.

For Immediate Release:

Mary Meeker Joining PGA TOUR Policy Board as Independent Director
 
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida (August 21, 2017) – The PGA TOUR Policy Board today announced that Mary Meeker, a General Partner at venture capital firm of Kleiner Perkins in Menlo Park, California, has accepted an invitation to join the Board as an Independent Director.
 
Meeker becomes the Policy Board’s fifth Independent Director, joining Chairman John McCoy, Victor Ganzi, Edward Herlihy and Randall Stephenson.
 
Meeker has been with Kleiner Perkins since December 2010 and focuses on investing in Internet-related businesses around the world. Meeker has led KP’s investments in a number of leading technology companies including Spotify, JD.com, Waze, Airbnb and Peloton.  She is on the Board of Directors of Square, Lending Club and DocuSign. Meeker joined Kleiner Perkins after serving as Managing Director at Morgan Stanley in New York where she helped lead the Global Technology Research Team. Meeker has been listed by Forbes as one of ‘The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women’ since 2012.
 
“In this dynamic, fast-changing world of media and technology, Mary’s expertise – and proven reputation as a trend-spotter – will be especially helpful as the TOUR innovates to create the best experience for our fans,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “Given that her keen business acumen is matched by a true love and appreciation for the game of golf, we’re thrilled to welcome her to the PGA TOUR Policy Board and look forward to the impact she’s sure to make on the future of our organization.”
 
A native of Indiana, Meeker graduated from DePauw University with a B.A. degree and received an MBA from Cornell University in addition to an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree from DePauw.
 
“We couldn’t be more pleased to have someone of Mary’s expertise and caliber become the newest member of the PGA TOUR Policy Board,” McCoy said. “Many on our Board have known Mary for years and are familiar with her successes and expertise. We look forward to working with her and applying her insights as we guide the business strategies of the PGA TOUR to continue its overall growth and success.”
 
Meeker has a strong, longstanding connection to golf, dating back to a summer job working as a groundskeeper and serving as captain of her high school golf team. Meeker has played golf around the world and has participated in pro-ams on both the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions, including at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
 
“I grew up around golf and am passionate about the sport,” said Meeker.  “I love practicing, playing, watching, competing and appreciating the artistry of golf course design. The PGA TOUR is impressive – the players, the leadership and organizers, the volunteers and the business model, including the focus on local charities communities and global growth. It’s an honor to have a seat at the table to help participate in the growth of the game.”

According to the release, Meeker joins four other directors, the PGA of America president, and four player directors. That makes ten. The board has traditionally included just nine members. The Tour confirmed there will be ten voters until John McCoy retires some time next year.

The current pre-Meeker board:

But there was also great news for Meeker and others at the PGA Tour!

Citations for everybody at the C Level!

NETJETS EXTENDS CONTRACT AS THE OFFICIAL PRIVATE JET PROVIDER OF THE PGA TOUR
 
TOUR extends partnership through 2022 for the worldwide leader in private aviation
 
Columbus, OH – August 21, 2017 - NetJets® Inc., the worldwide leader in private aviation, has extended its contract as the Official Private Jet Provider of the PGA TOUR® and PGA TOUR® Champions. The agreement solidifies a partnership between NetJets Inc. and the TOUR through 2022, providing flights, marketing support and charitable contributions to assist the PGA TOUR, tournaments and players around the world.
 
“We launched our initial partnership with the PGA TOUR in 2014 and it has been a mutually beneficial arrangement that delivers incredible exposure to our brand and value to the audiences we serve,” said Pat Gallagher, NetJets Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Currently, more than 30 top-ranked PGA TOUR players rely on NetJets to give them a competitive advantage by maximizing their time. We are excited to work together with the PGA TOUR on tournament activations and media opportunities, as well as extending valuable opportunities to our Owners.”
 
Since 2014, when NetJets became the Official Private Jet Provider of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions, the company has had the privilege of flying nine of the last 10 FedExCup winners and seven of the Top 10 world-ranked golfers.
 
“My time is valuable and I try to maximize every second I can get on the course and with my family. For more than 16 years, NetJets has made it possible for me to do both,” said Jim Furyk, NetJets Owner. “They do everything possible to get me to tournaments on time, making my schedule, my safety, and my comfort their priority. I truly can’t imagine traveling any other way.”
 
“The PGA TOUR continuously seeks quality partnerships that support our members and the TOUR on a global scale,” said Brian Oliver, PGA TOUR Senior Vice President, Sponsorship & Partnership.  “NetJets is the recognized leader in the private aviation industry with an outstanding reputation for service, safety and comfort. In addition to our joint marketing efforts throughout the year, NetJets has direct relationships with a number of our players who regularly utilize their service for their private travel needs week to week. We are extremely pleased to extend our valuable relationship with NetJets for the next six years.”
 
NetJets, Inc., the global leader in fractional ownership of private aircraft, has more than 700 aircraft in its fleet, making it the fifth largest airline in the world. Featuring 14 aircraft types, including the Challenger 350, Global 5000 and 6000 as well as the Phenom 300, only NetJets can serve the wide-ranging needs of PGA TOUR players. All of its jets feature plush interiors, the latest avionics, state-of-the-art entertainment systems, mood lighting and more. Larger cabin aircraft, which are designed for longer-range flights, feature a spacious divan and seating that can be adjusted to lay flat for a restful sleep experience.
 
Learn more about the NetJets experience from NetJets Owner and PGA TOUR player Dustin Johnson.