USA Swimming ended its year-long search for a new CEO on Thursday, announcing Kevin Ring as its new leader 371 days after Tim Hinchey resigned from his post in August 2024.
Ring heads to USA Swimming after more than 12 years in the golf industry, spending a decade with the PGA of America before transitioning into his role as the President at Legends Golf in 2022.
At the PGA of America, Ring served as the Chief Marketing Officer for two years, from 2013 to 2015, before being promoted to Chief Revenue Officer, a position he held for eight years.
As a non-profit organization, the PGA of America has publicly available Form 990s that can give us some insight into how the organization fared during Ring’s time there.
PGA of America Revenue, Ring’s Salary (2013-23)
| Year | Revenue | Salary (Other Earnings) | Ring’s Total Earnings |
| 2023 | $129,421,822 | $420,823 ($4,162) | $424,985 |
| 2022 | $192,132,824 | $633,776 ($57,092) | $690,868 |
| 2021 | $118,208,368 | $618,511 ($62,650) | $681,161 |
| 2020 | $94,369,726 | $544,922 ($62,418) | $607,340 |
| 2019 | $127,720,415 | $568,864 ($61,471) | $630,335 |
| 2018 | $98,705,402 | $558,314 ($65,210) | $623,524 |
| 2017 | $128,621,234 | $533,143 ($60,677) | $593,280 |
| 2016 | $78,706,460 | Not Listed | – |
| 2015 | $108,220,019 | $437,260 ($32,269) | $469,529 |
| 2014 | $82,252,120 | $447,031 ($14,980) | $462,011 |
| 2013 | $91,071,509 | Not Listed | _ |
The information shows that the PGA of America’s revenue saw a fairly significant increase during his time with the organization, though it was up-and-down year-to-year. After generating just over $91 million in 2013 and $82 million in 2014, the PGA of America jumped over $100 million in 2015 ($108 million) and then reached new heights with $128.6 million in 2017 and $192.1 million in 2022.
Ring’s salary also saw a steady increase throughout his time with the organization, reaching over $633K in 2022 (and over $690K in total compensation). He transitioned into his role with Legends Golf during the 2023 Fiscal Year, which likely explains why his salary was significantly lower than in previous years.
As for the membership growth of the PGA of America during Ring’s tenure, the specific numbers aren’t publicly available, though the organization has consistently marketed itself and/or reported a range of 29,000 to 30,000 members from 2013 to 2023.
Ring joins USA Swimming with the organization coming off a record-breaking revenue marker of $51.0 million in the 2024 Fiscal Year, up from $45.2 million in 2023 and a massive 74.7% increase from the $29.2 million generated in 2022.
This leadership move is deeply concerning for USA Swimming.
As a parent of three children who grew up in USA Swimming and competed at the Division I level—and as someone who has spent a career within the PGA, including governance—I’ve seen firsthand the challenges these organizations face.
The press release emphasized transparency and stakeholder engagement, yet those are areas where the PGA consistently falls short. Revenue headlines like the Ryder Cup may look impressive, but they often mask deeper dysfunction in leadership.
The reality is that recent growth in both PGA membership and the games participation was driven far more by the pandemic than by strategic leadership. USA Swimming deserves a leader who can provide true transparency and accountability,… Read more »
Mr. Ring might want to attend (and participate in ) swim practice for a week to get an idea of the work these swimming athletes do. Golfers have a long wat to go.
Most top tier professional golfers spend a lot more time practicing and doing the mundane than swimmers. Swimmers train harder for shorter.
Most of my swimmers wouldn’t be able to practice short putts for 2 hours but no golfer is going to do a 90 minute mixed HR set in a 2 hour session either.
Apples to oranges.
I’ve never really considered these revenue #s.
Is USA swimming actually healthy, from the perspective of the board?
His salary is VERY much in line with his role, stop trying to make it seem like he’s robbing swimming. That’s a tough job and you need a competent executive to lead it, and that’s how much those roles are compensated.
Odd years are Ryder Cup years, which is jointly owned by PGA of America and Ryder Cup Europe.
Its popularity and corresponding revenue have continued to increase.
2022 saw a major increase of participation in golf during the pandemic, both on-course and off-course (Top Golf, simulators, etc).
I don’t know the detailed revenue drivers that year, but it aligns with an overall participation jump, and golf continues to grow.
This guy did a great job at the PGA, hopefully he stays, at probably lower pay, lower recognition, and more headaches.
If he can generate $191M in revenue with swimming without significant increases in member dues he will be the man.
I suppose you could twist those stats to argue he was good or bad. 2022 looks like an anomaly without any further information being provided. Overall I’d say revenue increase was in line with inflation? What is the actual growth of the sport of golf from 2013 to 2023 if it shrank in numbers then I’d say they did well.
Other take away is USA swimming overpays their executives.
I think participation in golf sank a ton as Tiger faded.
No. It stagnated some in the teen years, but has taken off since the pandemic began.