Trevor Immelman will be the next official chairman of the World Golf Ranking

Trevor Immelman, the 2008 Masters champion, will become chairman of the Official World Golf Ranking on April 10, the organization’s governing board announced Tuesday.

Immelman, 45, will replace Peter Dawson, who has held the position since 2016.

“The Official World Golf Ranking has always been a big part of my life and professional career,” Immelman said in a statement. “I grew up in South Africa and I loved this game when I was young, the ranking system was the way I tracked and followed my favorite players and understood who the best players in the world are.

“When I turned into a professional, my focus on ranking increased, as I knew that being in the top 50 allowed me to play in major tournaments around the world. I am very honored to follow in the footsteps of Sir Michael Bonallack and Peter. Dawson as chairman, and I look forward to working with the board members to ensure that OWGR remains committed to its mission. “

An 11-time world champion, including two on the PGA Tour, Immelman peaked at world No. 12 in 2006. His biggest victory came at the 2008 Masters, when he finished three strokes ahead of Tiger Woods.

Immelman was the captain of the international team at the 2022 Presidents Cup and currently serves as the lead golf analyst for CBS Sports.

Immelman is the third chairman of OWGR since 2004.

Under Dawson’s watch, OWGR increased the number of visits it saw from 16 to 24. In August 2022, the OWGR also updated its methods for ranking golfers around the world.

“It has been an honor to chair the OWGR and work with the board to serve men’s professional golf,” Dawson said in a statement. “OWGR provides an important framework and continues to change and evolve while staying true to its mission. I wish Trevor the best and am confident that he will fulfill an important role.”

OWGR also announced that starting this year, tournaments with lower field ratings will have a new points distribution, which will award 50% more points to the winners and 26% more to the top five finishers. The OWGR said the changes would allow for further increases in the ratings of the top golfers in those events.

Starting this year, the PGA Tour in Taiwan will also be recognized by the OWGR.