Tain's Ian Ross becomes president for 2009

Douglas Connon MBE is

new chairman

of Scottish Golf Union

NEWS RELEASE ISSUE BY SCOTTISH GOLF UNION
The Scottish Golf Union (SGU) announced Douglas Connon MBE (pictured right) as its new Chairman at the SGU’s Annual General Meeting at Tulliallan.
The AGM marks the start of Connon’s term of office, overseeing the governance of the organisation and succeeding Alistair Low who served as the SGU Chairman for the past six years.
Connon brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from both the private and public sectors to the role. He is currently the Managing Director of Corporate Affairs and is a member of the executive committee for Alliance Trust PLC.
Prior to that, Connon was Head of Sponsorship and Corporate Affairs at Aberdeen Asset Management where he played a key role in the company’s golf sponsorship activity including the Senior Open Championship, Scotland amateur golf team and leading professional players such as Colin Montgomerie and Paul Lawrie.
With a strong military background, having served as an army officer for 29 years, Connon was awarded an MBE in the Gulf Honours list in 1992. A keen golfer with a handicap of 7, Connon is a member of a number of golf clubs throughout Scotland.
Commenting on his new role, Connon said, “It is a great honour to become the Chair of the SGU. I would like to pay tribute to my predecessor Alistair Low, who has helped to influence and shape the SGU into the modern, progressive organisation it has become during his two terms of office, and I look forward to continuing his legacy. “
Alistair Low, on demitting office said, “It has been a privilege to play a role in the governance of the SGU. The organisation has enjoyed many successes both on and off the course and I am sure the SGU will continue to prosper under the guidance of Douglas. He brings an enviable combination of strong management skills and business acumen to the role - as well as a love for golf - which will serve him well. Moving forward, the SGU is in very capable hands facing the challenges ahead.”
At the same meeting, Ian Ross became the new SGU President for 2009. An honorary member at Tain GC and a life member at Kirkintilloch GC, Ross succeeds John Sommerville to be the 47th President of the SGU.
Ross is a past Captain and Committee member of Tain GC and joined the Executive of the North District in 2000. He became the North District representative to the SGU in 2003. Since then, Ross has served on various SGU committees and has a wealth of experience working at many national events and championships.
Commenting on his new role, Ross said, “I am very much looking forward to the year ahead as President of the SGU and count it as a great honour, not only for myself but also for the North District and both Tain and Kirkintilloch Golf Clubs