Golf Tourism Solutions Names Ryan Cannon New Executive Director

Golf Tourism Solutions (GTS), the agency responsible for promoting Myrtle Beach as a golf destination, has hired Ryan Cannon as its new executive director. 

Cannon, who will begin his tenure at GTS on January 2, 2024, brings 23 years of experience at the highest levels of the game to golf’s most popular travel destination. 

As the executive director of GTS, Cannon will develop and operationalize the organization’s strategy at the direction of the Board of Directors while serving as the lead advocate for the Myrtle Beach area golf industry. 

“With a deep passion for the game and a wealth of experience, Ryan will bring a fresh perspective to the market,” said Dave Genevro, chairman of Golf Tourism Solutions’ Board of Directors and general manager of Barefoot Resort & Golf. “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Ryan, and I, along with the entire Golf Tourism Solutions Board, believe his vision and leadership will help elevate an already thriving destination to even greater heights.”

“I want to thank Dave Genevro and the GTS board for placing their trust in me,” Cannon said. "Through decades of vision, collaboration, and legendary hospitality, the golf course owners, operators, and travel providers in Myrtle Beach have created the most unique golf destination in the world.

“I’m humbled and honored to represent the GTS membership, and excited to lead the talented GTS team as we elevate and promote all that The Golf Capital of the World has to offer.” 

Prior to joining GTS, Cannon served as executive vice president of Outlyr, a global agency specializing in event management, sponsorship consulting, and brand activation. 

Prior to Outlyr, Cannon held multiple leadership roles during a 21-year career with the PGA of America. While at the PGA, Cannon was the senior director of PGA REACH, the  501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA with the mission to impact lives through golf. In five years, Cannon helped double PGA REACH’s programmatic impact and annual fundraising while also overseeing all brand building, marketing and communications efforts. 

Cannon also served as the director of four PGA Championships, including Oakland Hills Country Club in 2008, Atlanta Athletic Club in 2011, Oak Hill Country Club in 2013, and 2016 at Baltusrol Golf Club. 

After graduating from East Tennessee State University with a BBA in Marketing, Cannon began working at the PGA of America as an operations coordinator for the 2001 PGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club. He was quickly elevated to operations manager for the 35th Ryder Cup at Oakland Hills, earned his MBA from Michigan State, and began his rapid ascent within the organization. 

Cannon is an Associate member of the PGA of America and expects to become a fulltime member in 2024.