
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Eleanor Cannon heralds fresh start as new
chair of Scottish Golf Limited
NEWS RELEASE
Eleanor
Cannon, a highly qualified director with an engrained passion for golf,
heralds a fresh start for the sport after her appointment as the
inaugural Chair of Scottish Golf Limited.
Following
the historic decision to amalgamate the Scottish Golf Union (SGU) and
Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association (SLGA) into a single governing body
for amateur golf in Scotland from 1 October, Eleanor will use her
extensive strategic
and commercial background to lead the new organisation in the
non-executive Chair role for an initial three year term.
Succeeding
the current Chairs of both governing bodies, Tom Craig (SGU) and Beth
Paterson (SLGA), Eleanor, 50, will seek to lead the ongoing development
of golf in Scotland and meet the challenges the sport faces.
With
a very impressive CV, Eleanor offers considerable board experience
within public and private companies, and has inspired and implemented
change in challenging commercial and cultural environments.
After
graduating from the University of St Andrews, Eleanor started her
career with Marks and Spencer PLC, before serving nine years at Tesco
PLC where she became a General Manager and then Global Head of Customer
Service.
She
joined Scottish and Newcastle PLC in 1997 and held various Board
positions during a nine-year spell, latterly as Group HR and Corporate
Affairs Director. Since 2008, she has run an Executive Coaching business
that specialises in enabling
Chief Executives and Managing Directors deliver change within their
organisations.
Eleanor,
who has also held Trustee and Director positions in five charities over
the past 18 years, also has a strong golf background and pedigree, with
her mother, Netta Matthew, and father, Rennie Matthew, past Ladies and
Club Captains
at Ralston Golf Club and her father going on to become President of
Glasgow Golf Union.
A
former Girls champion at Ralston, Eleanor has been a member at various
clubs wherever her work has taken her geographically in Scotland and is
currently a member at Ranfurly Castle Golf Club in Renfrewshire.
In
a joint statement, Tom and Beth said: “We are delighted that Eleanor
has accepted the position of Chair of Scottish Golf Limited.
“She
was the stand out candidate amongst a high quality pool of applicants
for the role. Eleanor is a very experienced and talented individual. The
new unified governing body for Scottish amateur golf offers huge
opportunities going forward.
We are confident that Eleanor is the person to lead the body into a new
and exciting era for golf in Scotland.”
Eleanor
said: “I’m enormously proud to have been appointed as the new Chair of
Scottish Golf Limited and look forward to this exciting opportunity.
“It’s
a position of great responsibility and I’m determined to help meet the
many challenges the game faces in Scotland, including providing greater
support to our clubs and players and projecting golf as a modern,
inclusive sport with
a positive image to attract more players.
“I’m a proud and passionate golfer,
proud of golf’s role in the history of sport in Scotland and passionate
about the values and disciplines that it instils. I now look forward to
the next three years with great optimism.”
The process to recruit a new Board of
Directors for Scottish Golf Limited began in May, advertising as widely
as possible for applicants for these vital roles through an independent
HR consultancy.
The
new Chair will now be involved in the process to fill the eight other
non-executive director positions, with appointments to be announced in
due course.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
New Board Directors sought for amalgamated
SLGA/SGU
SLGA/SGU
SLGA/SGU NEWS RELEASE
The new unified governing body for golf in Scotland has begun the process of appointing its first Chairperson and Non-Executive Board who will be tasked with leading the organisation into a new era.
Following unanimous votes earlier this year by the members of the Scottish Golf Union (SGU) and Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association (SLGA) to amalgamate into a unified governing body, Scottish Golf Limited will officially begin life on 1 October. Suitable applicants are now being sought for the nine positions on the inaugural board.
An Appointments Panel, led by existing chairs Tom Craig (SGU) and Beth Paterson (SLGA), are working alongside an independent HR consultancy to oversee the interviewing and selection of candidates, with the aim of recruiting people who share a genuine passion for the game combined with the qualifications, skills and determination to lead the strategic direction and successful long term growth of golf in Scotland.
Each Board position will be Non-Executive and non-remunerated while appointments will be effective from 1 October with a 3-year term and a maximum of two terms.
The first appointment will be that of the new Chairperson, who, once recruited, will be involved in selecting suitable candidates for the remaining eight vacancies.
In addition to the Chairperson, candidates are being sought for directorships in the following areas: Championships; Club Development; Commercial; Communications; Finance; Handicapping & Course Rating; Participation; and Performance. Individuals must demonstrate expertise and a track record from their professional careers and/or within the game in relation to the respective role being applied for, with a sound knowledge of golf and the industry and a desire to make a positive and meaningful contribution to the game and its continued development.
There will be a minimum of three directors of each gender. This will ensure that a substantial minority group is appropriately represented within the organisation.
Successful candidates will attend quarterly Board meetings, as well as supporting the work of the new organisation’s committees across its key areas.
Beth Paterson, Chair of the SLGA, said: “These roles represent exciting opportunities for individuals with a desire to give something back to the game and a willingness to make a real difference to the future of golf in Scotland.
“The positive vote on amalgamation has given us real momentum to drive the game forward. The new Board will be key to realising the vision of the new organisation.”
SGU Chairman Tom Craig added: “We want to ensure we have the best available people on the new Board of Scottish Golf Limited and therefore we have a robust recruitment process in place. It is vital that we attract individuals who are suitably qualified, share our vision and have the desire and commitment required.
“The sport continues to face challenges, but with the right people on board, working with an excellent executive team, we believe they can guide our clubs and golfers into an exciting new era for Scottish golf.”
The Non-Executive Director roles will be advertised on both the SGU and SLGA websites, with full details and role descriptions available at the following microsite: http://scottishgolf.hrconsultancy.co.uk
Applications should be submitted no later than Sunday 14 June with CV’s submitted through the above web link or sent in writing to Hilary Roberts, HR Consultancy (Scotland) Ltd, 58 West Regent Street, Glasgow, G2 2QZ.
Monday, March 30, 2015
History Made as SGU Shareholders Vote Yes
to Amalgamation with SLGA
SGU NEWS RELEASE
A single unified national governing body for amateur golf in Scotland is to be created after the shareholders of Scottish Golf Union Limited (SGU), its 16 Area Golf Associations, today unanimously voted though the Proposal to amalgamate with the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association (SLGA).
Following an historic 16-0 verdict delivered by the Area Golf Associations at an SGU Extraordinary General Meeting at the Stirling Court Hotel, the SGU and SLGA will amalgamate into a new company, to be called Scottish Golf Limited.
The new company will come into existence on October 1, 2015.
In February, the Membership of the SLGA backed the Proposal to amalgamate with the SGU by a unanimous margin of 204 – 0 at their Annual General Meeting, before SGU affiliated clubs and eligible societies overwhelmingly backed the Proposal after voting 97% in favour in an independent poll.
Scotland’s leading male and female golfers, Stephen Gallacher and Catriona Matthew, also supported the plans to amalgamate the two governing bodies, with other partners and sponsors strongly in favour.
Speaking at the Stirling Court Hotel at the University of Stirling campus, SGU Chairman Tom Craig expressed his delight at the outcome of the EGM.
Craig said: “This is an historic day for Scottish amateur golf. I thank the SGU’s Area Golf Associations for their support in unanimously backing the Proposal and our affiliated clubs for showing confidence in the Proposal. I’d also like to thank Sheriff Alastair Thornton and all the other members of the Amalgamation Joint Working Group for their hard work
“We have enjoyed a close working relationship with the SLGA for many years and now look forward to working together as one organisation. The reality is that the SGU and SLGA are already working more closely than ever before so the transition to a single unified governing body should be fairly seamless.
“We can look to the future with excitement and optimism at the potential benefits amalgamation will bring, including providing greater leadership to our clubs and players, projecting golf as a modern, inclusive sport with a positive image to attract more players and attracting more resources into the sport from commercial sponsorship and government.
“It has been a long journey to reach this stage, but it was important that everyone had the chance to contribute to the amalgamation debate, so we could come forward with a good structure for the future of golf in Scotland.
“Our game faces many challenges. There’s a lot to do, but we now have the opportunity to build a positive future for golf and golf clubs in Scotland.”
Beth Paterson, SLGA Chairman, added: “We are delighted that both organisations have given their overwhelming support for amalgamation. This is a positive day for golf and a vital step forward for the game. Scottish Golf will now be able to focus on the main issues facing the game and take it positively into a new era.”
to Amalgamation with SLGA
SGU NEWS RELEASE
A single unified national governing body for amateur golf in Scotland is to be created after the shareholders of Scottish Golf Union Limited (SGU), its 16 Area Golf Associations, today unanimously voted though the Proposal to amalgamate with the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association (SLGA).
Following an historic 16-0 verdict delivered by the Area Golf Associations at an SGU Extraordinary General Meeting at the Stirling Court Hotel, the SGU and SLGA will amalgamate into a new company, to be called Scottish Golf Limited.
The new company will come into existence on October 1, 2015.
In February, the Membership of the SLGA backed the Proposal to amalgamate with the SGU by a unanimous margin of 204 – 0 at their Annual General Meeting, before SGU affiliated clubs and eligible societies overwhelmingly backed the Proposal after voting 97% in favour in an independent poll.
Scotland’s leading male and female golfers, Stephen Gallacher and Catriona Matthew, also supported the plans to amalgamate the two governing bodies, with other partners and sponsors strongly in favour.
Speaking at the Stirling Court Hotel at the University of Stirling campus, SGU Chairman Tom Craig expressed his delight at the outcome of the EGM.
Craig said: “This is an historic day for Scottish amateur golf. I thank the SGU’s Area Golf Associations for their support in unanimously backing the Proposal and our affiliated clubs for showing confidence in the Proposal. I’d also like to thank Sheriff Alastair Thornton and all the other members of the Amalgamation Joint Working Group for their hard work
“We have enjoyed a close working relationship with the SLGA for many years and now look forward to working together as one organisation. The reality is that the SGU and SLGA are already working more closely than ever before so the transition to a single unified governing body should be fairly seamless.
“We can look to the future with excitement and optimism at the potential benefits amalgamation will bring, including providing greater leadership to our clubs and players, projecting golf as a modern, inclusive sport with a positive image to attract more players and attracting more resources into the sport from commercial sponsorship and government.
“It has been a long journey to reach this stage, but it was important that everyone had the chance to contribute to the amalgamation debate, so we could come forward with a good structure for the future of golf in Scotland.
“Our game faces many challenges. There’s a lot to do, but we now have the opportunity to build a positive future for golf and golf clubs in Scotland.”
Beth Paterson, SLGA Chairman, added: “We are delighted that both organisations have given their overwhelming support for amalgamation. This is a positive day for golf and a vital step forward for the game. Scottish Golf will now be able to focus on the main issues facing the game and take it positively into a new era.”
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Hard to see the logic in Duddingston GC change of mind over SGU-SLGA merger
FROM AILEEN HUNTER
I saw The Scotsman article you published about Duddingston withdrawing support for the SGU/SLGA amalgamation.
They may be having a lady captain next year but I see they failed to mention the ladies' county associations who also have a vote.
I don't understand why the larger men's areas, such as the Lothians, should feel hard done by here.
Every club gets a vote - and therefore, by default the golfing area of Lothian would have a far bigger say than somewhere like Clackmannanshire where there are fewer clubs and therefore fewer members.
I don't hear them saying that Duddingston Golf Club should have fewer votes than a club that has double their membership!
EDITOR: Anyone else like to comment on this topic? It seems strange to me that Duddingston ARE in favour of the SGU-SLGA merger but feel strongly enough on a completely different topic, i.e.
area votes, to withdraw their support.
FROM AILEEN HUNTER
I saw The Scotsman article you published about Duddingston withdrawing support for the SGU/SLGA amalgamation.
They may be having a lady captain next year but I see they failed to mention the ladies' county associations who also have a vote.
I don't understand why the larger men's areas, such as the Lothians, should feel hard done by here.
Every club gets a vote - and therefore, by default the golfing area of Lothian would have a far bigger say than somewhere like Clackmannanshire where there are fewer clubs and therefore fewer members.
I don't hear them saying that Duddingston Golf Club should have fewer votes than a club that has double their membership!
EDITOR: Anyone else like to comment on this topic? It seems strange to me that Duddingston ARE in favour of the SGU-SLGA merger but feel strongly enough on a completely different topic, i.e.
area votes, to withdraw their support.
DUDDINGSTON WITHDRAW SUPPORT FOR
SGU-SLGA MERGER
FROM THE SCOTSMAN WEBSITE
By MARTIN DEMPSTER
One of Edinburgh’s leading golf clubs has withdrawn its support for a merger between the game’s two governing bodies in Scotland after claiming it is a “facade” due to the proposal not introducing proportional representation.
Acting on behalf of Duddingston GC, Alan Grosset, a past captain and ex-lawyer who has experience of amalgamations in other sports, has written to the Scottish Golf Union, outlining why it no longer supports the planned amalgamation with the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association.
While strongly in favour of the principle of the two bodies coming under the one umbrella and set to have a woman captain next year for the first time in the club’s history, the Duddingston board believes it is a mistake that the proposal has not addressed the current voting structure for the 16 men’s area associations.
Under it, Clackmannanshire, with just six clubs, has the same number of votes – ten – as the likes of the Lothians, with around 70, and the North-east, which has over 50.
“We were initially in favour of the amalgamation proposal, but then Alan Grosset, who has been following it for us from day one, said ‘whoa, wait a minute, do you realise this about the voting structure?’” said Duddingston captain Bill Lothian.
“We are not against it per se, no way, but it’s the way it is being set up that concerns us.”
In his letter, Grosset, a former chairman of the Scottish Sports Association, claims the voting clause is “undemocratic” and accuses SGU chairman Tom Craig of “ignoring” questions at a roadshow held at Turnhouse GC towards the end of last year.
Grosset is still fuming over the SGU suffering a financial hit with the much-maligned Scottish National Golf Centre at Drumoig after being among those to ring alarm bells over it and is adamant that proportional representation needs to be introduced as part of amalgamation.
“I don’t trust the people that are running the SGU and that goes back to Drumoig, which they made a pig’s ear of after making the wrong decision – £3 million of golfers’ money and Lottery money was lost on that,” he said.
“The Areas pay no subscription to the SGU, as the clubs do on behalf of their members, and yet irrespective of the [number of] clubs in any Area each Area gets ten votes. That plainly flies in the face of the remit given to Alastair Thornton’s working party.
“What should happen is a form of proportional representation for Areas reflecting the number of subscription-paying clubs in each Area. The response to that question in the papers circulated suggests that Scottish golf is well served by the present system, which is not the case.
“Having listened to Mr Craig at the Turnhouse roadshow, he simply wishes to get the press off the back of the SGU and carry on as before. All that will emerge if the proposals are passed will be a facade of amalgamation with no real merger happening beneath Board level. For all the time and expense that seems to have been involved, Scottish golf deserves better than this.”
Nearly four years after it failed at the first attempt, the proposal has already received unanimous backing from the SLGA membership, with indications that the SGU is also set to secure the two-thirds support it needs at an egm being held at the end of next month.
“It doesn’t make sense in this day and age to have two governing bodies, it is just the way it is being set up that is ringing alarm bells,” added Lothian. “Everybody wants amalgamation but you don’t want it at all costs.”
Duddingston’s change of heart emerged as the proposal received backing from Scotland’s two top golfers – Stephen Gallacher and Catriona Matthew.
Ahead of an independent poll of clubs closing at 5pm on Friday, Matthew said she believed a merged body would “strengthen” golf in Scotland while Gallacher is confident it will “benefit” the game in the sport’s cradle.
SGU-SLGA MERGER
FROM THE SCOTSMAN WEBSITE
By MARTIN DEMPSTER
One of Edinburgh’s leading golf clubs has withdrawn its support for a merger between the game’s two governing bodies in Scotland after claiming it is a “facade” due to the proposal not introducing proportional representation.
Acting on behalf of Duddingston GC, Alan Grosset, a past captain and ex-lawyer who has experience of amalgamations in other sports, has written to the Scottish Golf Union, outlining why it no longer supports the planned amalgamation with the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association.
While strongly in favour of the principle of the two bodies coming under the one umbrella and set to have a woman captain next year for the first time in the club’s history, the Duddingston board believes it is a mistake that the proposal has not addressed the current voting structure for the 16 men’s area associations.
Under it, Clackmannanshire, with just six clubs, has the same number of votes – ten – as the likes of the Lothians, with around 70, and the North-east, which has over 50.
“We were initially in favour of the amalgamation proposal, but then Alan Grosset, who has been following it for us from day one, said ‘whoa, wait a minute, do you realise this about the voting structure?’” said Duddingston captain Bill Lothian.
“We are not against it per se, no way, but it’s the way it is being set up that concerns us.”
In his letter, Grosset, a former chairman of the Scottish Sports Association, claims the voting clause is “undemocratic” and accuses SGU chairman Tom Craig of “ignoring” questions at a roadshow held at Turnhouse GC towards the end of last year.
Grosset is still fuming over the SGU suffering a financial hit with the much-maligned Scottish National Golf Centre at Drumoig after being among those to ring alarm bells over it and is adamant that proportional representation needs to be introduced as part of amalgamation.
“I don’t trust the people that are running the SGU and that goes back to Drumoig, which they made a pig’s ear of after making the wrong decision – £3 million of golfers’ money and Lottery money was lost on that,” he said.
“The Areas pay no subscription to the SGU, as the clubs do on behalf of their members, and yet irrespective of the [number of] clubs in any Area each Area gets ten votes. That plainly flies in the face of the remit given to Alastair Thornton’s working party.
“What should happen is a form of proportional representation for Areas reflecting the number of subscription-paying clubs in each Area. The response to that question in the papers circulated suggests that Scottish golf is well served by the present system, which is not the case.
“Having listened to Mr Craig at the Turnhouse roadshow, he simply wishes to get the press off the back of the SGU and carry on as before. All that will emerge if the proposals are passed will be a facade of amalgamation with no real merger happening beneath Board level. For all the time and expense that seems to have been involved, Scottish golf deserves better than this.”
Nearly four years after it failed at the first attempt, the proposal has already received unanimous backing from the SLGA membership, with indications that the SGU is also set to secure the two-thirds support it needs at an egm being held at the end of next month.
“It doesn’t make sense in this day and age to have two governing bodies, it is just the way it is being set up that is ringing alarm bells,” added Lothian. “Everybody wants amalgamation but you don’t want it at all costs.”
Duddingston’s change of heart emerged as the proposal received backing from Scotland’s two top golfers – Stephen Gallacher and Catriona Matthew.
Ahead of an independent poll of clubs closing at 5pm on Friday, Matthew said she believed a merged body would “strengthen” golf in Scotland while Gallacher is confident it will “benefit” the game in the sport’s cradle.
Monday, December 22, 2014
FUNDAMENTALLY IMPORTANT FOR FUTURE OF SCOTTISH GOLF
Proposal to amalgamate SGU and SLGA is
finalised and published
finalised and published
SGU and SLGA NEWS RELEASE
The proposal to amalgamate the Scottish Golf Union (SGU) and the Scottish
Ladies’ Golfing Association (SLGA) into a single unified governing body
for amateur golf in Scotland
has been finalised, one that can herald an exciting “new era” for
Scottish Golf.
Outlining
their clear vision for the game in the proposal, the Chairs of the SGU
and SLGA, Tom Craig and Beth Paterson, stress that amalgamation is
fundamentally important
for the future of golf in Scotland.
To
meet the many challenges currently facing the game, the proposal
outlines how amalgamation can provide a platform for a new governing
body to lead Scottish golf positively
into the future, help Clubs be viable and vibrant and attract more
people of all ages and gender into the sport.
With
the Boards of the SGU and the SLGA both in agreement regarding the
proposal, it has now been distributed to the memberships of each
organisation – namely the SGU’s 16 area associations, the SLGA’s 15
county golf associations, ladies' golf clubs
and ladies' sections of clubs and all affiliated clubs in Scotland for
them to consider as approval is sought over the coming months.
KEY FEATURES
Key
features of the proposal include clubs becoming full voting members for
the first time, with areas and counties to have a substantial
collective vote, equivalent in aggregate
to approximately one third of the overall vote.
The roles of the areas
and counties are to remain unchanged, meaning they don’t have to merge.
National and regional forums are also to be established to help
communication to and from grass roots golfers and
clubs.
Expressing
the importance of amalgamation, the Chairs said in a joint-statement:
“This is the most significant issue in Scottish Golf and the amalgamation proposal is the best
and only option to amalgamate. We encourage all areas, counties and clubs to support it.
PLATFORM FOR NEW ERA
“Amalgamation
can provide a platform for a new governing body to lead Scottish Golf
boldly into a new era. We want our clubs to be healthy and vibrant, to
be welcoming places
for men, women, boys and girls to enjoy our wonderful game, and to help
attract more people to participate in golf throughout Scotland.
"Amalgamation is absolutely in the best interests of all stakeholders in
Scottish Golf and sends the right message about
the inclusivity of the sport we all love.”
Back
in March of this year, a joint working group, comprising five
representatives from each of the SGU and the SLGA, independently chaired
by Sheriff Alastair Thornton, circulated
an amalgamation consultation proposal to all areas, counties and golf clubs
in Scotland.
Following
a wide ranging consultation process up to the end of July during which
every golf club, area and county, as well as all golfers and other interested
parties had the opportunity
to input, the joint working group analysed and considered the feedback
before publishing its final proposal.
MANY BENEFITS
With
amateur golf the largest participant membership based sport in Scotland
and no other sports governing body in Scotland maintaining gender
segregation, the Chairs stress
amalgamation can help golf flourish thanks to the many benefits a
single unified governing body will offer.
Continuing
their joint statement, they added: “The amalgamation proposal is
fundamentally democratic; it sets out a modern governance structure for
Scottish Golf, with appropriate
accountability at all times; it is inclusive; and it is fit for
purpose.
“Becoming
a single governing body is a first and hugely important step towards
creating a really cohesive partnership between board, staff, areas, counties, clubs and players
of all ages, abilities and genders, to ensure that golf and golfers in
Scotland are recognised worldwide for their success. We want to enable
our best amateur golfers to win at the highest level at home and abroad,
both individually and as part of our national
teams.
POWERFUL MESSAGE
“One
national governing body will give a powerful message about the
direction and approach of the leadership of our sport. It is a message
that will be more appealing to younger
people who are our future players and club members."
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
SCOTTISH GOLF UNION NEWS RELEASE
Book Your Place at Rules School:
Do you have an interest in refereeing or wish to further your knowledge of the Rules of Golf?
Then places remain available to book your place at Rules School next March in St Andrews, a course open to golf club officials and members of an affiliated golf club within the UK.
Following the success of the inaugural Rules School with the R&A in March this year, the Scottish Golf Union are delighted to confirm that the next Level 2 course will be held in St Andrews from 18-20 March 2015 as part of the R&A Rules Education Programme.
The 2½ day course seeks to develop and enhance knowledge by guiding attendees through Rules and outlines the importance of the defined terms used in the rule book.
The School is run by qualified instructors from the R&A, SGU and SLGA, all with experience of refereeing at some of the world’s most elite amateur and professional tournaments. The cost per delegate is £100 with various benefits included within the cost.
> View further information & book your place at Rules School
St Andrews, next March 18 to 20
Then places remain available to book your place at Rules School next March in St Andrews, a course open to golf club officials and members of an affiliated golf club within the UK.
Following the success of the inaugural Rules School with the R&A in March this year, the Scottish Golf Union are delighted to confirm that the next Level 2 course will be held in St Andrews from 18-20 March 2015 as part of the R&A Rules Education Programme.
The 2½ day course seeks to develop and enhance knowledge by guiding attendees through Rules and outlines the importance of the defined terms used in the rule book.
The School is run by qualified instructors from the R&A, SGU and SLGA, all with experience of refereeing at some of the world’s most elite amateur and professional tournaments. The cost per delegate is £100 with various benefits included within the cost.
> View further information & book your place at Rules School
Labels: SGU
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
SLGA-SGU AMALGAMATION TALKS CAN NOW RESUME IN POSTIVE ATMOSPHERE
NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE SLGA AND SGU
The
process for exploring the possible amalgamation of the Scottish Golf
Union (SGU) and the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association (SLGA) has
moved forward with the re-establishment of a Joint Group tasked with
developing an amalgamation proposal.
Substantive
discussions on the formation of a single governing body for amateur
golf in Scotland can now resume in a positive atmosphere.
Alastair
Thornton, a Sheriff (Kirkcaldy) and former solicitor, has been
appointed as Independent Chairman of the Joint Group. Thornton, a keen
golfer, was for many years a partner in the Edinburgh solicitor
practice, A abd W M Urquhart, where he specialised in litigation and
mediation. He is also Past President of the Law Society of Scotland.
The
SGU chairman, Tom Craig, said: “The SGU, in partnership with the SLGA,
is committed to working towards a unified body in the Home of Golf.
“There
is a great deal of common ground, and both bodies are ready to
re-commence detailed consideration by means of a Joint Group. Alastair
Thornton’s credentials are impressive and we look forward to working
with him.”
Shona
Malcolm, SLGA Chairman, added: “Alastair expressed an enthusiasm for
being involved in the process. He is an excellent choice for this role
and we are confident that our discussions, as a Joint Group, will enable
us to progress this already lengthy amalgamation process to a
conclusion which is in the best interests of Scottish amateur golf.”
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
SLGA GIVE AMALGAMATION A BIG YES VOTE - OVER NOW TO SGU
By COLIN FARQUHARSON
Colin@scottishgolfview.com
Scottish Ladies Golf Association members have voted overwhelmingly in favour of the proposed amalgamation with the Scottish Golf Union at an extraordinary general meeting, held in the lecture theatre of the A K Bell Library, York Place in Perth today.
Now the pressure is on the Scottish Golf Union to get a "yes" vote at its deciding meeting tomorrow night.
If 12 of the 16 SGU areas vote in favour of the amalgamation, then it will go through automatically and Scottish Golf Limited – one governing body for Scottish male and female amateur golf - will become operational from October 1.
The day-to-day operations of the SGU and SLGA will continue independently until then while the new company is being set up with the selection of the Board for Scottish Golf Limited and the preparation of a final combined budget.
Shona Malcolm, pictured left, the SLGA chairman, said at the conclusion of the meeting:
Although the amalgamation process in the SLGA has gone through months of discussion quite smoothly, the same cannot be said of the SGU. The major sticking point is that the present men’s area committees will have no role to play in the new controlling body for Scottish amateur golf.
As one cynic said – “Would turkeys vote in favour of Christmas?”
Colin@scottishgolfview.com
Scottish Ladies Golf Association members have voted overwhelmingly in favour of the proposed amalgamation with the Scottish Golf Union at an extraordinary general meeting, held in the lecture theatre of the A K Bell Library, York Place in Perth today.
Now the pressure is on the Scottish Golf Union to get a "yes" vote at its deciding meeting tomorrow night.
If 12 of the 16 SGU areas vote in favour of the amalgamation, then it will go through automatically and Scottish Golf Limited – one governing body for Scottish male and female amateur golf - will become operational from October 1.

Dr Sheila Hartley, pictured right by Cal Carson Golf Agency, the SLGA company secretary, said after the EGM in Perth:
“The proposal was carried by a significant majority, with 93.03% of votes cast being in favour of its adoption. The amateur game’s key stakeholders, in particular major funders sportscotland and other commercial sponsors and partners, have also strongly supported the proposal.
"The SGU’s Extraordinary Meeting is to be held tomorrow night, and the amalgamation will proceed if the Areas cast 12 of their 16 votes in favour.”
Shona Malcolm, pictured left, the SLGA chairman, said at the conclusion of the meeting:
“The SLGA Board is delighted with the outcome of the members’ vote and would like to take the opportunity to thank all of those who participated during the lengthy and extensive consultation process. Throughout the process the SLGA members have demonstrated a commitment to the future development and governance of Scottish amateur golf, with no thought of self interest.
“The SLGA is committed to progressing the amalgamation to its conclusion, while protecting the democratic principles of the clubs, the main funders of Scottish amateur golf, being the voting members.”
The SLGA was formed in 1904 and has its headquarters in Perth. The SGU came into being in 1920 and its present HQ is at The Duke’s Course, St Andrews. The leases on both current properties have a few years to run, but that would give the new Board time to identify the most appropriate permanent location for the amalgamated body in due course.Although the amalgamation process in the SLGA has gone through months of discussion quite smoothly, the same cannot be said of the SGU. The major sticking point is that the present men’s area committees will have no role to play in the new controlling body for Scottish amateur golf.
As one cynic said – “Would turkeys vote in favour of Christmas?”
Saturday, April 30, 2011
REACTION TO HAMISH GREY JOINING MALE-ONLY ROYAL BURGESS
FROM THE SCOTSMAN WEBSITE
http://sport.scotsman.com/golf/
By MARTIN DEMPSTER
http://sport.scotsman.com/golf/
By MARTIN DEMPSTER

Suggestions that Grey's decision to accept an invitation to join the men-only Royal Burgess Golfing Society at Barnton was set to stir up a backlash from ladies' association members have also been dismissed by the chairman of the SLGA, though one county captain did admit it was "extremely bad timing".
Grey, administrator for the group seeking backing from the country's 580 golf clubs to create a unified body to run the amateur game in Scotland, has been criticised for taking up membership of the historic club on the outskirts of Edinburgh, where the New Zealander lives.He has been branded as a "hypocrite" and also described as "politically naive", but Douglas Connon, the SGU's chairman, last night jumped to Grey's defence. "I do not see that Hamish Grey's membership of a single-sex club has any bearing on his position as chief executive of the SGU," said Connon. "The Equality Act allows for men and women to be members of single-sex clubs."
His SLGA counterpart, Shona Malcolm, refuted claims that "a few ladies' association members" wanted Grey to be sacked over the furore and is confident the matter will have no impact on the proposed amalgamation, which will be put to a vote by both the SLGA and SGU on consecutive days towards the end of next month.
"I've not heard a single word about that (the claims] at all," said Malcolm. "As far as I am concerned it is freedom of choice and there's a place for single-sex clubs. Indeed, single-gender clubs are not a big deal for the SLGA. I know that Hamish is also a member at Royal Dornoch, which is a mixed club.
"We need to rise above this nonsense and do what is best for the whole of Scottish golf. The ladies are giving up a lot in the proposal - they are losing a degree of their voice - but all the feedback we've had from the ladies' side about the amalgamation is very positive.
"There will need to be tweaks, but let's get on and make it happen. Let's get it moving forward."
Mary Richardson, captain of Midlothian County Ladies' Golf Association, added: "The timing of this is both unfortunate and extremely bad, but I don't see it having any effect on how people will vote on the proposed amalgamation.
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Wednesday, March 30, 2011
SLGA, SGU WARNED OVER FUNDING FEARS WITHOUT MERGER
FROM THE SPORT.SCOTSMAN.COM WEBSITE
http://sport.scotsman.com/golf/
By Martin Dempster
Scottish golf could lose vital funding if a bid to create an amalgamated body to run the amateur game fails, with opposition to the proposal being blamed on a situation that has been likened to "clan warfare" in the wake of the Drumoig debacle.
An update on the move to merge the Scottish Golf Union and Scottish Ladies Golfing Association was provided yesterday at Dalmahoy, where it was revealed that a final proposal is on its way to the 580 golf clubs in the country to seek their support.
Both organisations need a 75 per cent majority at special general meetings being held at the end of May in order to have the new Scottish Golf Ltd in place for 1 October, with the proposal being sold as the "correct way forward" for the game in Scotland.
According to Hamish Grey, pictured, the SGU chief executive and administrator for the amalgamation group, golf is now the only sport that comes under the sportscotland umbrella that isn't governed by a single body and he admitted there are genuine fears that important funding for the amateur game could be withdrawn if the proposed merger is blocked.
"You can never say definitely, but I think we'd be comfortable in saying there is a significant likelihood of that happening," he said after outlining in detail a proposal that would bring Scotland into line with most other countries in the world.
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http://sport.scotsman.com/golf/
By Martin Dempster
Scottish golf could lose vital funding if a bid to create an amalgamated body to run the amateur game fails, with opposition to the proposal being blamed on a situation that has been likened to "clan warfare" in the wake of the Drumoig debacle.
An update on the move to merge the Scottish Golf Union and Scottish Ladies Golfing Association was provided yesterday at Dalmahoy, where it was revealed that a final proposal is on its way to the 580 golf clubs in the country to seek their support.
Both organisations need a 75 per cent majority at special general meetings being held at the end of May in order to have the new Scottish Golf Ltd in place for 1 October, with the proposal being sold as the "correct way forward" for the game in Scotland.
According to Hamish Grey, pictured, the SGU chief executive and administrator for the amalgamation group, golf is now the only sport that comes under the sportscotland umbrella that isn't governed by a single body and he admitted there are genuine fears that important funding for the amateur game could be withdrawn if the proposed merger is blocked.
"You can never say definitely, but I think we'd be comfortable in saying there is a significant likelihood of that happening," he said after outlining in detail a proposal that would bring Scotland into line with most other countries in the world.
TO READ THE WHOLE OF MARTIN DEMPSTER'S ARTICLE, BUY A COPY OF "THE SCOTSMAN" TODAY OR LOG ON TO ITS WEBSITE
CLICK HERE
Sunday, March 13, 2011
DEBATE ON SLGA-SGU PROPOSED AMALGAMATION
Do you have strong views, for or against, the proposed SLGA-SGU amalgamation?
Switch over to http://www.scottishgolfview.com/ to read an interesting E-mail on the subject from D Neal Stewart.
He gives his view. Now we would like to hear your view - and display it on http://www.scottishgolfview.com/ or http://www.kirkwoodgolf.co.uk/
Make YOUR voice heard.
E-mail Colin@scottishgolfview.com
Switch over to http://www.scottishgolfview.com/ to read an interesting E-mail on the subject from D Neal Stewart.
He gives his view. Now we would like to hear your view - and display it on http://www.scottishgolfview.com/ or http://www.kirkwoodgolf.co.uk/
Make YOUR voice heard.
E-mail Colin@scottishgolfview.com