JOIE CHITWOOD NAMED INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CLASSIC IN THE PALM BEACHES

Chitwood to lead 2024 event while search for permanent Executive Director is underway.

The PGA TOUR announced today that Joie Chitwood has been named interim Executive Director of The Classic in The Palm Beaches, returning to PGA National Resort’s Champion Course, February 26 – March 3, 2024.

Chitwood, who is the Executive Director of the 2026 Presidents Cup, will lead the 2024 event while the PGA TOUR works to identify a permanent Executive Director for the long-standing event held annually in Palm Beach Gardens.

“It’s truly a privilege to be named as the interm Executive Director of The Classic in The Palm Beaches,” said Chitwood. “While the tournament is entering an exciting new era, my goal is to continue building on the strong foundation in place, and fully immerse myself into the Palm Beach County community. Our goal is to deliver a premier event for our partners, fans, players, and volunteers, while ensuring the longstanding tradition of PGA TOUR golf in South Florida continues to flourish.”

Chitwood came to the PGA TOUR in May of 2023 when he was named as Executive Director of the 2026 Presidents Cup, which will be contested at Medinah Country Club outside of Chicago. Prior, he spent two years as Vice President of Corporate Development for Arnold Palmer Enterprises, which included his role as Tournament Director of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard. In that role, he was tasked with driving revenue growth and operational excellence, which delivered record results for the longtime event, founded by Arnold Palmer.

The bulk of Chitwood’s extensive career in the sports industry has been in motorsports, working for Indy Racing League, Chicagoland Speedway and Daytona International Speedway. In 2009, Chitwood rose to become the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of International Corporation (ISC) in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he was tasked with improving the nationwide performance of 13 motor racing facilities – including the world-renowned Daytona International Speedway. In this role, he oversaw the corporation’s day-to-day activities and financial results; a $500 million plan for capital expenditures; and led the largest investment in ISC’s history, Daytona Rising, a $400 million project.

Currently living in the Chicago area, Chitwood will relocate to Palm Beach County and oversee the 2024 event through completion. Chitwood replaces Andrew George, who has taken a position as Senior Vice-President, Live Event Experience and Operations with TMRW Sports / TGL.

The Classic in The Palm Beaches will return to PGA National’s Resort’s Champion Course the week of February 26 – March 3, as part of the 2024 FedExCup Regular Season.