The PGA of America and Chief Business Officer KEVIN CARTER have parted ways. Carter came to the PGA from the NFL in '06 and was part of the effort to form a corporate partner program, signing deals through the years with Mercedes-Benz, American Express and Omega, among other brands. He also worked with the European Tour to help form the first global partnership program for the Ryder Cup. Carter was elevated to Chief Business Officer last year upon the arrival of new CEO PETE BEVACQUA, but they mutually agreed last month to part ways. A statement to SportsBusinesss Journal said, "The PGA of America is appreciative of Kevin Carter’s service at the PGA of America as Chief Business Officer, and we wish him well as he pursues new career opportunities." The PGA has not determined if Carter's position will be replaced or whether his duties will be dispersed among the existing staff. CMO KEVIN RING, who is in a N.Y. PGA office, is overseeing the corporate partner program. Mercedes-Benz, Omega and Samsung are the three patron sponsors now, while National Car Rental has an official status deal and Standard Life Investments is a Ryder Cup global partner.
