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• All 204 votes went in favour of merger at ladies’ body’s AGM
• Amalgamation in golf’s “best interests,” says SLGA chair
• “This is an historic opportunity,” adds SGU’s Tom Craig

SLGA | SGU

The amalgamation of the Scottish Golf Union and Scottish Ladies Golfing Association has moved a step closer after the voting members of the SLGA unanimously backed the proposal over the weekend.

All 204 votes went in favour of the merger at the ladies’ body’s AGM at the Marriott Hotel in Edinburgh, meaning that the men’s voting members are all that stand in the way of the motion being passed.

The members of the SLGA had supported the previous proposal, which ultimately failed in May 2011, and so it was widely expected that they would back the new proposal. However, doing so unanimously sends a clear message that the latest deal on the table is in the best interests of the game in the home of golf.

Beth Paterson, SLGA chairman, said: “We are delighted, for a second time, the voting members of the SLGA have backed the proposal to amalgamate with the SGU. I would like to thank our members for their patience during the consultation process.

“Amalgamation between the SGU and the SLGA is in the best interests of golf,” said SLGA chairman Beth Paterson.

“Unifying the amateur game for men and women is a positive step for both the game and the participants. The move to a single governing body will make Scottish golf stronger, and I know the sport will continue to be committed to increasing the number of people who play golf regularly and supporting those with talent to fulfil their potential.

“I’d like to acknowledge the work done by the amalgamation working group under the chairmanship of Sherriff Alastair Thornton, which has resulted in the women reaching a positive decision.”

Paterson added: “Amalgamation between the SGU and the SLGA is in the best interests of golf and we sincerely hope that the SGU will gain the support for amalgamation from their shareholders, so we can look forward to a new era and to realising our vision for the future.”

The SGU’s voting members are expected to have their say on the proposal in the near future. An EGM will be called following the completion of an independent poll of Scottish clubs to gauge their responses to the proposal. That poll closes on February 27.

Tom Craig, the chairman of the SGU, praised the SLGA members for passing the motion and added: “It is now over to the SGU clubs and the 16 SGU Area Associations to make their decision.

“This is an historic opportunity to step confidently forward together as one – Areas, Counties, clubs and staff – and share knowledge and ideas to make the game at all levels stronger.”

SGU and SLGA amalgamation :: read more

Tom Craig outlines the future for Scottish golf should the SGU and SLGA amalgamation proposal either pass or fail in issue 138 of bunkered, out later this week. Don’t miss it!

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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.

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