European Golf Association role for Scot

Scottish Golf Union director Colin Wood has become only the second Scotsman to be elected president of the European Golf Association.

The 68-year-old from Peebles has been appointed to the prestigious role for a two-year term (2014-15) following a recent gathering of leading golf officials in Finland.

He follows in the footsteps of compatriot Sandy Sinclair, who held the post some 30 years ago.

“I’m proud to achieve this, quite humbled actually,” said Colin, who currently serves on the SGU Board as Chairman of the Golf Course Committee and Handicap and Course Rating Committee.

Colin Wood, an honorary member and past captain of Peebles Golf Club, will use his wealth of experience to aid with the European Golf Association’s running of national championships across 44 countries in Europe, as well as assist with issues such as handicapping, the environment and legislation.

Wood joined the SGU Board in January 2009, having previously served as president of the SGU between 1999 and 2001. He is also a past non-playing captain of the Scotland team (1997-98).

“There are 44 countries under the banner of the European Golf Association. It runs national championships, as well as assisting with handicapping, environmental and legislative issues.”

“It was Great Britain and Ireland’s turn for the Presidency,” explained Colin. “There are four zones in Europe and the presidency goes around the zones on an eight-year basis. I was selected by GB&I after I had talked it over with Hamish Grey, the SGU Chief Executive, who then proposed me for the role. It’s a great honour and a role I’m very much looking forward to.”

Wood added: “There are 44 countries under the banner of the European Golf Association, It runs national championships, as well as assisting with handicapping, environmental and legislative issues. The Association also seeks to help developing countries as much as possible. I’m going to be busy, together with my work for the SGU and my day job as a farmer.”

The only previous Scot to hold the post of president of the European Golf Association was Sandy Sinclair OBE. His tenure, from 1983-84, saw him try to reconcile the interests of 21 golfing countries at a time when European golf was coming to the fore. Sinclair was also president of the SGU from 1976 to 1978 and he went on to become captain of the R&A in 1988.

The European Golf Association

The European Golf Association was founded in Luxembourg in November 1937. It concerns itself solely with international matters and membership is restricted to European National Amateur Golf Associations, Federations or Unions. The Association is presently composed of 44 member countries and is governed by the following committees: Executive Committee (10 members); Championship Committee (12 members); EGA Handicapping & Course Rating Committee; EGA Sustainable Golf Committee.

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