Chris Chapman Appointed as Independent Director to PGA of Australia Board

The PGA of Australia has announced the appointment of experienced executive and company director Chris Chapman as an Independent Director of the PGA of Australia Board.

This addition follows the recent Annual General Meeting and marks the conclusion of a sixteen-year tenure for departing board member Ric Lazar. Chapman arrives with a distinguished professional background across strategy, regulation, media, communications, sport, and infrastructure, positioning him to play a pivotal role in the organisation’s ongoing commercial evolution.

Commenting on Chapman’s appointment, PGA of Australia chair, Ian Baker-Finch, said: “We are delighted to welcome Chris Chapman to the PGA of Australia Board.” 

“Chris brings a strong background in strategy, governance, regulation, media, major venues and commercial leadership, along with a clear understanding of the PGA business model and the opportunities in front of professional golf.

“That experience will be extremely valuable as we continue to strengthen the support and services we provide to PGA Members, build our education and workforce programs, and grow the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and WPGA Tour of Australasia.

“Chris understands the importance of strong governance, commercial discipline and long-term thinking, and we are fortunate to have someone of his calibre joining the Board,” Baker-Finch said.

Expressing his commitment to the organisation’s future, Chapman, said: “The PGA of Australia plays the vital role across the global professional golf ecosystem, from supporting PGA Members and educating the future workforce through to operating Australasia’s leading men’s and women’s Tours.”

“I am very pleased to be joining the Board and look forward to contributing to the next phase of the PGA’s strategic plan,” he stated.

Chapman’s career includes senior chair and chief executive roles with major organisations including the Australian Communications and Media Authority, Seven Network, and Stadium Australia. Since 2016, he has transitioned into a portfolio of non-executive director and advisory positions, which have included specific consulting projects for both the PGA of Australia and Golf Australia. His personal history with the sport is extensive, spanning more than fifty years from his time as a junior caddie to his role as president of the Royal Sydney Golf Club, where he spearheaded the Championship Course redevelopment.

The current board is now comprised of member directors Ian Baker-Finch, Stephen Hutchison, Chris Crocker, and Matt Griffin, alongside independent directors Carole Brownlee, Alison Watkins AM, Chris Chapman, and Paul Lappin.

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