MacGowan steps down as NZ Golf boss

Bill MacGowan. Photo / Chris Skelton

New Zealand Golf (NZG) chief executive Bill MacGowan is stepping down from the role to assume a new position as a consultant within the organisation.

MacGowan has decided to change his career direction and work as an independent contractor both within golf and across a variety of other sports.

The change was accepted by NZG chairman Philip Hassall.

"We understand and respect Bill's wishes for a change but we certainly did not want to lose his services and we are delighted he has accepted our offer to take up a new role with the organisation," Hassall said in a statement.

"Bill has indicated to us that this is a good time for him to move on from his role of CEO which he has filled for three years. He feels that he has achieved the major goals that he was appointed to achieve, and more.

"New Zealand Golf still faces some major challenges going forward and we are pleased that we can utilise his skills to focus on these projects."

The statement said MacGowan's tenure has been a successful one, overseeing the rebirth of the New Zealand Open, initiating the New Zealand Women's Open, overseeing three years of positive balance sheets and managing the move of the organisation from Wellington to Auckland.

Commercial manager Dean Murphy will be the acting chief executive until a replacement is appointed.

- NZPA