Saturday, February 07, 2015

SLGA membership vote Yes to amalgamation with SGU

NEWS RELEASE FROM SLGA
The Membership of the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association (SLGA) has today (Saturday, February 7) backed the Proposal to amalgamate with the Scottish Golf Union (SGU) after a yes vote at their Annual General Meeting.

Ladies Sections of Clubs, Ladies Clubs, County Golf Associations, Vice Presidents and Directors voted in favour of the proposed amalgamation by a unanimous margin of 204-0 at their AGM at the Edinburgh Marriott Hotel.
Voting took place on the day, with those unable to send a representative voting by proxy.
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.
“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 today.
“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.”
Shortly before Christmas, the Proposal to amalgamate the SGU and the SLGA into a single unified governing body for amateur golf in Scotland was finalised, one that can herald an exciting “new era” for Scottish Golf and one fundamentally important for the future of the game.
In clear terms, 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.
Tom Craig, SGU Chairman, added: “I’m delighted the Membership of the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association has voted in favour of the Proposal to amalgamate. 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.”
Presently, all clubs affiliated to the SGU are being urged to vote in an independent Poll which is open until February 27 as part of the Proposal to amalgamate with the SLGA.

Karin Sharp
Chief Operating Officer
k.sharp@slga.co.uk
Tel: 0131 339 3987
Mob: 07812 665159