Amalgamation draws closer

Consultation document has been sent to all of the nation’s clubs by the SGU and SLGA

The amalgamation of the Scottish Golf Union and the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association has moved a step closer after a consultation document was sent to all of the country’s clubs, areas and counties for consideration.

The proposal was drafted by the Amalgamation Joint Working Group, formed in January 2013 under the independent chairmanship of Alasdair Thornton, and is made up of representatives from both the SGU and SLGA.

The group was formed to revisit the possibility of amalgamating the two organisations after initial attempts failed in May 2011.

FEEDBACK

A series of consultation meetings with stakeholders will be staged by the SGU and SLGA throughout Scotland, with feedback welcomed up until July 31 after which time the working group will finalise its proposal. It will then be put to the boards of the SGU and SLGA, followed by the membership of the two bodies for approval later in the year.

The proposal stresses the importance of amalgamation to the overall health of the game, sending out the right message of having a fit for purpose governing body to lead clubs through challenges they face.

Other benefits of a successful merger, which are outlined in the document, include unified marketing, greater attraction to commercial partners, government investment, enhanced efficiency, and improved media coverage.

COMMITTED

In a joint statement, Tom Craig, the chair of the SGU, and his SLGA counterpart, Beth Paterson, commented: “We feel that significant progress has been made in producing the ‘Consultation Proposal’ and the right approach is being taken by consulting widely at this time.

“The group is not saying it’s a final document, but we believe it covers the key areas required and highlights the importance of amalgamating the two bodies.

“We appreciate it has taken us time to reach this stage. However, we are committed to the long-term future of our game’s governance.

“Amateur golf is the largest participant membership based sport in Scotland and there is no other sports governing body in Scotland which maintains gender segregation.”

 

DRIVING FORWARD Scottish Golf Union chair Tom Craig, left, and SLGA chair Beth Paterson are heading the campaign

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