Jason Gore, who recently retired from his career on the PGA Tour, has taken a position with the United States Golf Association.
The 44-year-old Gore, who lives in Valencia and played at Pepperdine, was named to the newly-created USGA post of Senior Director of Player Relations, it was announced in Far Hills, N.J.
“Jason is a dynamic individual who has a great passion for the USGA and the game of golf and is widely recognized and respected by Tour players and staff, as well as industry influencers,” says John Bodenhamer, the USGA’s Senior Managing Director, Championships.
“Filling this role has been a strategic priority for the organization for some time and in Jason, we have someone who will bring us player insights and share our position on matters of importance to the game.”
Gore’s primary role in his new position will be to interact with pros and elite amateurs as part of a program aimed at sharing information and strengthening the USGA’s engagement with players.
Since the implementation of the most widespread changes to the rules of golf in decades at the beginning of this year, many pros have been critical of some of the changes and the USGA has sent officials to tournaments to speak with the players.
Gore, who earned a psychology degree at Pepperdine while helping the Waves to the 1997 NCAA Championship, will head a full-time staff that will be dedicated to player relations for the USGA.
“I have the utmost respect for the USGA and proudly tell everyone that my experience in the 1997 Walker Cup was the highlight of my golf career,” Gore said in a statement. “I’m incredibly honored to have been invited to play this role and can’t wait to get started.”
Gore, who has been plagued by injuries in recent years, claimed 12 victories in his pro career—but only one on the PGA Tour, the 2005 84 Lumber Classic. He won seven times on what is now the Web.com Tour and was the triple-A circuit’s 2005 Player of the Year.
As an amateur, Gore captured the Pacific Coast Amateur and the California State Amateur in 1997, when he also helped the United States to victory in the Walker Cup. He also claimed the California State Open title that year and won it again as a pro in 2004.
