USGA presidents serve two one-year terms. Hager would succeed Jim Hyler.

Nager and the 15-member executive committee are to be formally elected Feb. 4 at the USGA's annual meeting in Houston.

Nager is a partner in the law firm of Jones Day who has argued 13 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. He is in his third year as a member of the USGA executive committee, and in his second year as vice president. He also served as general counsel to the USGA for two years.

Thomas O'Toole Jr. and Daniel Burton were nominated Wednesday to be vice presidents.