ClubCorp's Eric Affeldt Tops List Of 30 Most Powerful People In Golf Industry

Big money in '14 "returned to golf -- at least to golf course management companies," resulting in the "biggest movements" on Golf Inc. magazine's recently released list of the most powerful people. The "biggest surges" belong to HSBC Global Head of Sponsorship & Events GILES MORGAN, course operator Bluegreen Founder ERIC WILBORTS and RORY MCILROY. On the "flip side, the industry's association leaders almost all saw declines, some quite substantial." After years of "dominance as power brokers, the associations and governing bodies are struggling with waning memberships and revenue, political infighting and retirements." It "doesn't help that they represent the status quo in an industry that desperately wants change" (GOLF INC., fall '14 issue).