SGU BOARD DELEGATION TO MEET WITH AREAS TO PROGRESS AMALGAMATION DISCUSSIONS

The Scottish Golf Union Board has appointed three of its Directors to meet with its 16 Area Associations to ascertain the reasons behind the recent rejection of its proposal for amalgamation with the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association.

Directors Gordon Murray, Maurice Shields and Iain Harvey will form the group to meet with representatives of the Areas who last month voted 10 – 6 against the formation of a single governing body for amateur golf in Scotland.

Douglas Connon, Chairman of the Scottish Golf Union, said: “While the amalgamation proposal was rejected, we are encouraged that there is overwhelming support for the principle of amalgamation and a commitment from our shareholders to find a solution to achieve amalgamation.”

“The Board has invited three Directors to find out what those who voted against amalgamation regarded as unacceptable and importantly what key issues need further consideration to help achieve an agreement going forward.” he added.

The three Directors will undertake this task with the objective of reporting back to the SGU Board by the end of July. Thereafter, the Board will consider the best way forward in consultation with counterparts at the SLGA.

Shareholders representing the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association had previously voted 93% in favour of the amalgamation proposals, while a poll of 295 of the SGU’s affiliated clubs supported the proposed changes by an 89.2% majority.