Scottish golf clubs back amalgamation

• 97% of clubs voting in poll back proposal
• EGM now set for March 30 in Stirling
• “This sends out a powerful message about what clubs want”

The move to amalgamate Scottish amateur golf’s two main governing bodies – the Scottish Golf Union and Scottish Ladies Golfing Association – has taken another massive step forward after the country’s clubs voted overwhelming in favour of the proposal.

Over 97% of all clubs who participated in an independent poll on the mooted merger backed the plans.

A total of 362 clubs, representing 58% of all Scottish golf clubs and eligible societies, took part in the poll. with 351 in favour and only 11 opposed.

Most importantly, across all 16 ‘Areas’, there was endorsement of the proposal, with clubs delivering a majority ‘Yes’ vote in each.

The poll was conducted by an independent market research company, 4 global Consulting Ltd, and is expected that the opinions of the clubs will steer the voting process for the 16 Area Association who will ultimately have the final say on the proposal.

Their opinions will be gathered at an Extraordinary General Meeting of Scottish Golf Union Limited, which will take place on Monday, March 30, at Stirling Court Hotel on the University of Stirling campus.

“This sends out a powerful message about what clubs want to help build a positive future for the game in Scotland.” – Tom Craig, SGU chairman

The 16 Area Associations and their votes are now all that stand between the SGU and the SLGA in their bid to amalgamate

Last month, the membership of the SLGA backed the proposal after a unanimous margin of 204-0 at their Annual General Meeting.

Scottish Golf Union chairman Tom Craig said: “I’m delighted that clubs in every area of the country have overwhelmingly supported the proposal. This sends out a powerful message about what clubs want to help build a positive future for the game in Scotland.

“We thank all clubs for taking the time to participate in the independent poll and we expect that the poll, along with any local consultation process undertaken by an area, will provide those charged with voting at the SGU EGM on March 30 with a clear mandate from their affiliated clubs.

“I look forward to seeing all 16 Area representatives in Stirling and approach this historic occasion with great optimism.”

Scottish Golf amalgamation :: your thoughts?

Are you in favour of the Scottish Golf Union and Scottish Ladies Golfing Association amalgamating? Or do you have a different view? Leave your thoughts in our ‘Comments’ section below.

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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

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