Dunagan named executive director of tournament

MARANA, Ariz. -- The PGA TOUR has named Wade Dunagan as executive director of the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship, effective immediately. Dunagan's appointment marks a return to the PGA TOUR, as this 25-year veteran of the golf industry began his career within the PGA TOUR's TPC Network in 1984. Dunagan replaces former Accenture Match Play Championship Executive Director Michael Garten.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to once again work with the PGA TOUR, and while I have some big shoes to fill, this is an absolutely ideal situation for me," said Dunagan, a PGA Class A Member since 1992. "The PGA TOUR and Championship Management are the very best at what they do, and we have extremely strong partners in Accenture, the Conquistadores and all of Southern Arizona. I look forward to joining such an accomplished and professional team, and to working with the best of the best as we take on the growth and successes that lie ahead."

While serving as assistant professional and then head professional at Starr Pass Golf Club in Tucson, Ariz., then a TPC property, Dunagan worked with the TOUR and the Tucson Conquistadores to present the Tucson Open in 1986 and 1987. He then moved to Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., to take the position of head golf professional at TPC Sawgrass from 1987-1990 and worked three PLAYERS Championships.

Dunagan returned to Tucson in 1990 as director of golf for Tucson National, where he once again worked with the TOUR and the Tucson Conquistadores to host the Tucson Open in 1991 and 1992. He then served as head golf professional at Tucson Country Club for five years.

Dunagan was project manager and general manager for The Gallery Golf Club at Dove Mountain in Marana, Ariz., host site of the Accenture Match Play Championship since 2007. He has been directly involved with all aspects of construction and operational planning of both the North and South Courses and has been responsible for day-to-day operations since the facility opened in December 1998.

In February 2007, Dunagan launched his own consulting company, HD Golf, and has worked with several clients and facilities over the past year. However, he was retained by The Gallery Golf Club as the point person for the 2008 Accenture Match Play Championship.

"Wade has a great track record with the PGA TOUR and several high-profile tournaments," said Rick George, PGA TOUR executive vice president, championship management. "He has worked with the Tucson Conquistadores for many years, and his connection to the Tucson community will be a great asset to the Accenture Match Play Championship. We welcome Wade to the team and look forward to continuing to elevate this event's stature and success."

"We are very pleased to have Wade join the team in this capacity," said Gary Beckner, Accenture senior director, global event marketing. "He is a true professional with much experience and will add a great deal of value and expertise to the program."

"Wade has been an integral part of the Tucson Conquistadores' success with several PGA TOUR events over the years, and we couldn't be happier to work more closely with him on the Accenture Match Play Championship," said Judy McDermott, executive director of The Tucson Conquistadores and executive director of The First Tee of Tucson. "He will be a great partner as we continue to stage a world-class event and, in turn, benefit many deserving charities in the Tucson area."

In February, Tiger Woods captured his 15th official World Golf Championships title at the Accenture Match Play Championship with an 8-and-7 victory over Stewart Cink, the largest margin in the 10-year history of the tournament. In 2003, Woods became the first player to win all three World Golf Championships. His win at the 2008 Accenture Match Play Championship meant he was the first to hold all three trophies at the same time.