Sign up for our daily newsletter

Latest news, reviews, analysis and opinion, plus unmissable deals for bunkered subscriptions, events, and our commercial partners.

• The R&A and LGU merger a step closer to being completed
• The two bodies have signed a heads of agreement
• LGU will be brought under operations of The R&A from Jan 1

THE R&A | LADIES’ GOLF UNION

The merger between the Ladies’ Golf Union and The R&A has moved close to completion with the signing of a heads of agreement by the two St Andrews-based organisations.

The move, which will see its business operations brought under The R&A, was brokered in February and will come into effect from January 1, 2017.

The LGU organises a series of prestigious championships and international matches including the Ricoh Women’s British Open, taking place this week at Woburn, and the Curtis Cup won by Great Britain and Ireland at Dun Laoghaire in June.

Trish Wilson, chairman of the LGU, said: “Winning the Curtis Cup showed that the women’s elite amateur game is in a strong position and we look forward to building on this at all levels as we move forward with The R&A.”

CONTINUES BELOW…

The R&A

And Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A, added: “We are delighted to complete the heads of agreement for the merger of the two organisations. The merger will be an opportunity to further develop the world class events run by the LGU and to give even greater support to women’s and girls’ golf.

“We are looking forward to building on the many synergies between the bodies for the benefit of the game.”

The potential merger was first discussed in February 2015 between the respective boards and the LGU’s shareholders – England Golf, Scottish Golf, the Golf Union of Wales and the Irish Ladies Golf Union – who gave their unanimous support to the proposal.

Plans have been agreed to integrate the staff from both organisations and to implement the agreed governance structure. The LGU’s championships and international matches will run as normal this year with the existing LGU team managing those events.

The R&A and LGU merger :: Your thoughts

What are your thoughts on the imminent merger of the two bodies? Leave your thoughts in the ‘Comments’ section below.

topics

More Reads

Image Turnberry green

The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland

Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.

Find Courses