CEO Mike Round leaves the Golf Foundation for the LET

Mike Round, the chief executive of the junior golf charity the Golf Foundation since 2000, is to leave the organisation and join the Ladies European Tour (LET) as director of development and membership.

The Golf Foundation has been credited with introducing thousands of boys and girls to golf during his tenure.

A spokesman said its trustees have commenced the process of finding a successor to Mike, and expect to attract a list of strong candidates.

Mike, who joined the Golf Foundation in 1998 as its first ever development officer, was named the 14^th most powerful person in British golf in 2012.

Ivan Khodabakhsh, chief executive officer of the Ladies European Tour, said, “We are delighted to welcome Mike to the team and believe that his experience in growing the game will be a valuable asset as the LET aspires to richer integration with amateur and grass roots organisations as well as stronger development of member education and services.

“The Ladies European Tour is one of the world’s leading professional golf tours and with golf’s inclusion in the Olympic programme, it is important that we take a leadership role in the game’s development. The LET wants toenable more young people to become involved with the sport and support their career progression.”

Mike himself said: “I have really enjoyed my time at the Golf Foundation and am grateful to the staff, trustees and others for the help and support I’ve been given over the years. I’m now looking forward to taking on this exciting new challenge with the Ladies European Tour.”