Amalgamation of SGU and SLGA moves closer

The amalgamation of the Scottish Golf Union and Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association has moved a step closer after a consultation document was sent to all of the nation’s clubs, areas and counties for consideration.

The proposal has been drafted by the Amalgamation Joint Working Group, formed in January 2013 under the independent chairmanship of Alastair Thornton and made up of representatives from the SGU and SLGA.

The group was formed to revisit the possibility of amalgamating the two organisations after initial attempts failed in May 2011.

A series of consultation meetings with stakeholders will be staged by the SGU and SLGA throughout Scotland in the coming months, with feedback from all parties welcomed up until July 31 after which time the working group will finalise its proposal. It will then be puts to the boards of the SGU and SLGA, followed by the membership of the two bodies for approval later this year.

The proposal stresses the importance of amalgamation to the overall health of the game, sending out the right message of having a fit for purpose governing body to lead clubs through the challenges they are facing.

Other benefits of a successful merger which are outlined in the document include unified marketing, greater attraction to commercial partners, government investment, enhanced efficiency, and improved media coverage.

“Amalgamation will enable Scottish golf to become a mutually supportive partnership among clubs, areas, counties, board and staff.”

In a joint statement, Tom Craig, the chair of the SGU, and his SLGA counterpart, Beth Paterson, commented: “We feel that significant progress has been made in producing the ‘Consultation Proposal’ and the right approach is being taken by consulting widely at this time.

“The Joint Working Group is not saying it’s a final document, but we believe it covers the key areas required and highlights the importance of amalgamating the two bodies.

“We appreciate it has taken us time to reach this stage. However, we are committed to the long-term future of our game’s governance.

“Amateur golf is the largest participant membership based sport in Scotland and there is no other sports governing body in Scotland which maintains gender segregation.

“Amalgamation will enable Scottish golf to become a mutually supportive partnership among clubs, areas, counties, board and staff; all for the greater good of club members and the game we love.”

Amalgamation: Are you in favour?

Are you in favour of the amalgamation of the SGU and SLGA? Do you know how it will affect you and your club? Leave your thoughts in our ‘Comments’ section below.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor