MEDIA RELEASE FROM SCOTTISH GOLF UNION
Clubs Work Together at SGU Annual
Conference to Benefit Future Health
Over
100 delegates gathered at the Scottish Golf Union’s Annual Conference
over the weekend, with clubs invited for the first time to reflect the
theme of working together.
At
the University of Stirling’s campus, the SGU and its 16 Area
Associations welcomed affiliated clubs for an excellent education and
networking opportunity as some of the
key issues facing Scottish golf were considered.
The
2012/13 financial year again proved a challenging one for the SGU, but
was ultimately positive as the organisation continues to work across
more areas of the golf industry
than ever before to meet the demands of clubs and deliver its strategy.
The
SGU increased turnover by 8% to £2.896 million and invested record
levels in supporting clubs, at the same time as generating £1.38 for
every £1 invested by member clubs,
meaning subscriptions now equate to 42% of income to illustrate a wider
spread of income across the organisation.
Notably,
the SGU continues to work with a strong portfolio of sponsors and
partners to enhance its activities and, during the last financial year,
sponsorship income increased
by 23% to record levels despite the difficult financial climate.
While
the SGU are acutely aware of the trend of declining golf club
membership – a pressing issue across Europe – time was spent in Stirling
discussing factors contributing
to the decline, including changes in consumer and social behaviour, and
how to counter them.
On
Saturday, interactive sessions and case studies exploring best practice
in golf clubs, as well as a key note speech from Troed Troedson, a
renowned expert on understanding
consumer behaviour who has worked with the Swedish Golf Federation,
provided an invaluable insight to clubs.
Sunday’s
activities continued the theme of working better together, while the
SGU reported its activities for the year across its seven strategic
pillars – More Golfers, More
Members, Stronger Clubs, Talented Golfers, Outstanding Championships,
Excellent Governance and Strong Partnerships – before proceedings
concluded with the SGU Annual General Meeting.
Ian Howarth, President of Stirlingshire Golf Union and a past member of the SGU Finance Committee, was elected as the 52nd President of the SGU and the first from
his Area since 1997.
“I’m
very honoured to take up this role,” said Ian, pictured right. “With Scotland
privileged to host both the Commonwealth Games and The Ryder Cup, 2014
has all the hallmarks of being a hugely
memorable year.”
Two new board appointments – voluntary like all post-holder positions other than the chief executive –were also approved.
Sandy
Anderson, past captain at Sandyhills Golf Club and a member of the
Glasgow Golf Union Executive Committee, has been appointed to oversee
Club Development, while Bill
Buchan, a key driver in setting up Edinburgh Golf to deliver
sustainable growth across the capital, has taken up the position to
oversee Participation.
Tom
Craig, the SGU Chairman, said: “Our Annual Conference, held in Stirling
for the first time, proved hugely beneficial for all involved,
especially for all the delegates
who attended from across the country.
“It’s
been another challenging year for all involved at the SGU, but everyone
is working hard to support clubs and their members, and encourage more
people into the game.
“Over
the coming weeks, we are undertaking further research among club
managers, club members and casual golfers, looking at what the future
golf consumer wants from a club,
and continuing to support clubs, particularly with regard to business
planning and good governance.”
Providing
an update on the proposed amalgamation with the Scottish Ladies’
Golfing Association (SLGA), Craig added: “The SGU and the SLGA continue
to work very closely together,
with much of our work now shared across both organisations.
“Our
goal remains to amalgamate and the Amalgamation Working Group,
independently chaired by Alastair Thornton, has made good progress. It
is anticipated that a proposal for
consultation will soon be available in 2014 as we seek to establish a
governance structure for Scottish golf for the next 50 years and
beyond.”
Labels: SGU
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home