The announcement of Mark Darbon as the R&A’s new chief executive officer comes at a moment when there is still an unparalleled amount of uncertainty surrounding men’s professional golf.
The 45-year-old will take over Martin Slumbers’ position at the St. Andrews-based governing body, leaving his position as manager of Premiership winners Northampton Saints.
In light of the ongoing struggle for the survival of men’s professional golf, it is an important position.
After the Saudi Arabia-funded LIV circuit debuted in 2022 and some high-profile players left the PGA and DP World circuits, Slumbers was considered as a valuable sounding board.
Having succeeded Peter Dawson in 2015, he will leave the position after supervising the Open, AIG Women’s Open, and Curtis Cup this summer.
Slumbers is thought to be the most progressive leader in the lengthy history of the R&A. In addition to overseeing rising recreational participation, he promoted women’s golf and attempted to soften the game’s sometimes stuffy, elitist reputation.
Along with her seasoned business acumen, the former international banker helped turn The Open into a sell-out event that attracted all-ticket buyers. Although it was a business decision, ardent enthusiasts did not agree with the decision.
Most importantly, The Open has prospered commercially even though it has been hidden behind a television paywall for the majority of the last ten years.
