Amalgamation talks ongoing

Onward: SGU chairman Douglas Connon, the SLGA’s Shona Malcom and SGU chief executive Hamish Grey

SGU directors attempt to reconcile Areas to merger proposal

In the wake of the Area Associations rejection of the amalgamation proposal, the Scottish Golf Union Board has given three of its directors the task of reconciling the dissident group.

Directors Gordon Murray, Maurice Shields and Iain Harvey will meet with the 16 Area Associations to ascertain the reasons behind the recent rejection of its proposal for amalgamation with the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association.

Following the SLGA’s overwhelming vote in favour of the amalgamation, the Areas voted 10 – 6 against the formation of a single governing body for amateur golf in Scotland.

Douglas Connon, chairman of the Scottish Golf Union, said that although the proposal had been rejected, the prospect of further discussion remained encouraging.

“While the amalgamation proposal was rejected, we are encouraged that there is overwhelming support for the principle of amalgamation and a commitment from our shareholders to find a solution to achieve amalgamation,” said Connon.

“The Board has invited three directors to find out what those who voted against amalgamation regarded as unacceptable and importantly what key issues need further consideration to help achieve an agreement going forward,” he added.

The three directors will undertake this task with the objective of reporting back to the SGU Board by the end of July. Thereafter, the Board will consider the best way forward in consultation with counterparts at the SLGA.

Shareholders representing the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association had previously voted 93 per cent in favour of the amalgamation proposals, while a poll of 295 of the SGU’s affiliated clubs supported the proposed changes by an 89.2 per cent majority.

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered