Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club 11 to 14 July

Aberdeen's David Law fine tuning his swing today at the Renaissance Club near North Berwick. Scotland is very well represented in a multi-national field.  David is joined amongst others by Grant Forrest, Scott Henry, Renaissance representatives Chris Doak and Richie Ramsay, Stephen Gallacher, Paul Lawrie, Scott Jamieson and Fraserburgh qualifier Kris Nicol.

Glencruitten's Robert MacIntyre has earned himself a star-studded opening round alongside Rory McIlroy and Rickie Fowler.

Marc Warren, Russell Knox, David Drysdale, Liam Johnston and Gleneagles Hotel's Calum Hill complete a very strong field of Scotland's representatives.

Weather forecasts suggest that Mother Nature will have a significant part to play in proceedings but the event has all the makings of an exciting four days.  Several Scottish Open winners in the past have gone on to capture the Claret Jug in the following week so could history be repeated?

Scottish Golf Buying Group helps clubs make huge savings in 2018

 

 NEWS RELEASE

Scottish golf clubs have made significant savings in just eight months through the Scottish Golf Buying Group, according to new end-of-year figures released today.

 

Clubs affiliated to Scottish Golf have saved more than £100,000 in utilities, electricity, gas and water alone since March, with the wider buying group’s total savings across all Scottish golf clubs using the new service now topping £180,000.

 

The Scottish Golf Buying Group is a newly formed service which help clubs across Scotland more efficiently manage their costs. With 188 golf clubs now registered in Scotland and actively engaged with the buying group through Scottish Golf’s partnership with Golf Management Group (GMG), the Scottish Golf Buying Group continues to gain stronger deals as part of their united approach.

 

Launched as part of Scottish Golf’s commitment to supporting clubs in response to a growing demand for the procurement service, the buying group enables clubs to save on key expenditure and are in line with competitive national rates.

 

Ross Duncan, Scottish Golf Development Director, said: “Launching the Scottish Golf Buying Group in partnership with GMG earlier this year has proved to be a fantastic success with credit due to all of the clubs who have committed to the service.

 

“Many of those clubs have reaped significant rewards and saved a valuable amount of money, time and resource. We look forward to developing this relationship further in the New Year and encourage more clubs to consider joining.”

 

With all the small gains adding up, clubs across the length and breadth of the country have enjoyed impressive savings which are invaluable to their business.

 

Other achievements so far:

• More than 50 golf clubs have transferred to the group’s exclusive new rate for waste management services and are making savings of between 11% to 30%. Furthermore, a number of clubs are in the process of moving their waste management contract which will result in average savings of £750 per club.
• The exclusive SGBG national price file means that Scottish clubs are enjoying the most competitive waste management rates. SGBG in many cases transfers the club to lower waste management pricing without any change to the provider of the service.
• 27 golf clubs are engaged with the Scottish Golf Buying Group’s preferred telecoms provider and are now enjoying savings of up to 57% against previous costs.
• 19 clubs are in the process of moving over to the group’s washroom services, which will eventually lead to an average saving of £800 per club
• 12 clubs are currently changing over their Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) supplier, with potential savings of up to £4,000 per annum, simply by moving on to the SGBG price file.
• Specialised food procurement services is a huge growth area and has saved several clubs more than £5,000 per annum – an area that has tremendous scope for clubs to take advantage of.

 

The Scottish Golf Buying Group, which utilises the collective purchasing power of Scottish golf clubs to leverage significant discounts across a range of service categories, is free to access for all clubs affiliated to Scottish Golf. Some of the top performing categories include utilities, insurance and waste management, as well as food, telecoms and scorecards.

 

Colin Reid, club manager at Dundas Parks Golf Club, said: “We have benefited in a number of areas since joining the Scottish Golf Buying Group and I would recommend more clubs use it if you want to make savings without compromising service.

 

“Our electricity, telephone and internet costs have all reduced significantly since we joined, by more than 50% in regards to telephone landline costs. On waste disposal the savings have been smaller but the buying group now manage this contract on our behalf. I have found the team to be very easy to deal with and very responsive.”

 

Campsie Golf Club saved more than £1,400 in three years across telecoms, gas, electricity and water – James Kerr, club secretary at Campsie Golf Club, added: “We would not hesitate in encouraging all golf clubs who have not joined to do so and hope our savings assist in showing the team’s tremendous efforts are reaping rewards for us.”

 

Ian Howieson, GMG Scotland and North East National Manager, commented: “We’re overwhelmed by the response we’ve had from partnering with Scottish Golf to join forces on our buying group. It’s been a great start to our first year with over £180,000 made in savings for clubs across Scotland. We look to work even closer with Scottish Golf in the New Year in the hope of reaching out to even more clubs and capitalising on these savings.”

 

With more and more clubs reaping the rewards, Scottish Golf members are being encouraged to consider signing up and those already members are looking at other cost areas of their business.

 

For further information on the Scottish Golf Buying Group, including how to sign up, visit https://www.scottishgolf.org/club-services/buying-group/

 

New booking app aims to boost grassroots income for Scottish Golf

By Charles Paterson

Andrew McKinlay unveiled the new app at the Scottish Golf conference

Scottish Golf is launching a new booking system app for clubs and golfers across the country, in a bold measure to bring more income into the grassroots game in Scotland.

The app, which was unveiled at the second annual Scottish Golf conference today, will allow clubs to recoup 100 per cent of green fees from "nomadic" golfers who aren't club members, and forms part of a free software package available to more than 600 clubs.

"It's a new system that'll connect all those that play the game in Scotland - we are really excited about it," said Scottish Golf chief executive officer, Andrew McKinlay.
"We will be the first home union to have an app of this sort. 21 one per cent of golfers in Scotland are members of clubs, and they pay most for the upkeep of courses, but there's another 80 per cent - this system will bring them more into the fold and make it more connected.

"The return on investment is potentially huge, both on what clubs can save by not having to pay for the systems they currently use, but also in relation to the income that can come in from "pay-per-play" golfers. Those that are can come into the app and book tee-off times, as opposed to some of the other apps that they may be using at the moment."

                     

 

McKinlay joined Scottish Golf from the Scottish Football Association in May during a time of crisis for the game in Scotland. His predecessor resigned after proposals to raise affiliation fees were rejected, in the wake of a report by KPMG revealing that Scotland had lost more registered golfers than any country in Europe between 2015 and 2016

Scottish Golf is seeking a suitable candidate to join the non-executive Board of Directors

 

With three current Board members completing their term of office, two have agreed to stand for a second term, which will provide a combination of continuity and retention of expertise to the Board of Directors following the appointment of four new directors in March 2018.

We are now recruiting for a Non-Executive Director who will be an experienced finance executive that can enhance the skill set of the current team of Directors, helping oversee the implementation of a vision and new era for the successful long-term growth of golf in Scotland.

If you have the appetite, passion and experience to be part of an exciting future for golf in Scotland we’d love to hear from you or please share with someone you know who can make a difference.

Full Role Description and Application Details...

Scottish Golf, The Dukes, St Andrews, KY16 8NX Tel: +44 (0)1334 466477  |  Enquiries: info@scottishgolf.org

Copyright © Scottish Golf Limited 2016, All rights reserved.

SCOTTISH GOLF  INVITES GOLFERS TO ATTEND SECOND NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON DECEMBER 1

Scottish Golf will set out its plans to rise to the challenges faced by golf clubs when it stages its second national conference at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) on Saturday 1 December.

Building on the key themes arising from the inaugural event last year, which identified technology, nomadic golfers, changing club culture and the recruitment of more women and young people as the most important areas for the governing body to focus its work on, Scottish Golf is once again inviting those with a passion for the game to come along. .

The free-to-attend Conference will be open to those involved in club, Area and County administration, PGA professionals, golf club members and non-members as well as other interested parties from within the game of golf in Scotland.

The event will feature presentations from the governing body’s leadership team, outlining some of the key projects and plans developed over the past 12 months, with contributions from other industry experts.

Delegates will have the opportunity to contribute, while representatives from across the country will take part in a Club Panel session to highlight good practice and innovative work.

Andrew McKinlay, Chief Executive of Scottish Golf, said: “Having attended as an ordinary club member first time around, I am very much looking forward to leading this year’s Conference, as we outline some of the solutions and plans we have been working on in response to the challenges identified last December.

“We’ve had a period of change since I came on board through the reshaping of our team, gaining insights from our clubs and identifying priority areas of work. The output from the conference gave us a clear mandate for our future plans and that has been our area of focus in recent months.

 Clubs continue to operate in a very challenging environment but there’s been some good momentum building and some great work being done by clubs we are supporting.

“The Conference gives us a fantastic platform to showcase some of that work, discuss solutions and continue the debate among those with a passion for golf and a desire to make a difference at national and local level.  I’m sure we’ll have another great turnout and look forward to welcoming delegates to the Capital in December.

Entry to the event is free-of-charge with complimentary refreshments and lunch provided to all delegates. The Conference will start at 10.30am and conclude at 2.00pm on Saturday 1 December. The Edinburgh International Conference Centre is located on Morrison Street in the west end of the city, just a short walk from Haymarket train and tram station.

The closing date for registration is Monday 26 November at 5pm. 

Tickets can be booked online via the Scottish Golf website and will be restricted to two per person.

 Scottish Golf per capita fee increased to £14.50 from January

NEWS RELEASE

Scottish Golf’s membership voted in favour of a resolution to increase the per capita fee at a general meeting at the Stirling Court Hotel last night.

The resolution was passed with a majority vote of 60.2%. The increase from £11.25 to £14.50 will take effect from January 2019 and will be frozen until the collection of subscriptions in January 2022.

The increased revenue of circa £500,000 has been ring-fenced to support the development of key strategic priorities and also to offset proposed cuts announced in light of decreased  funding available to Scottish Golf.

Specifically, it will also enable Scottish Golf to create a fit-for-purpose national junior programme, explore income generation from non-membership golfers - known as nomadic golfers - and offer a free-of-charge digital service for clubs to support and improve membership services at all levels, including tee-booking, competition management, and handicapping.

Andrew McKinlay, Scottish Golf Chief Executive: “I would like to thank the membership for voting in favour of a prosperous future for the game. 

"I understand the subject of affiliation fee has been a contentious one in recent years but I have been clear on the financial challenges the game faces without the ability to invest in areas that will help facilitate long-term growth.

“We now have a stronger financial foundation on which to build a more cohesive and joined-up national junior programme to increase participation and access to golf for future generations. 

"We will also press ahead with plans to make non-member golfers integral to our future, by offering attractive and flexible ways to play and support golf in their local areas, while at the same time contributing to the overall development of the game.

“Today’s vote also enables us to offset some of the proposed cuts outlined and, instead, commit to supporting our member clubs with a range of services ultimately designed to ensure a sustainable and attractive game now and in the future.”

Eleanor Cannon, Scottish Golf Chair, said: “I would like to thank those who stepped forward to request a general meeting to revisit the affiliation fee. They did so on the back of an AGM where Scottish Golf outlined the challenges and opportunities faced by golf now and in the future. 

"The area and county representatives who came forward eschewed self-interest in favour of the common good: for that, I am eternally grateful and thankful for their efforts and their selflessness.

“We must now work together as one Scottish Golf family to make golf more accessible to younger members, to incorporate non-members into our offering, to support our clubs and to encourage our players to fulfil their potential. Those aims have been made all the more achievable in light of this evening’s outcome.”

Link to Friday scores in Scottish men's area team championship at Cawder

CLICK HERE

McIntosh (49) v Stewart (18) in Scottish 
Amateur Final

Turnhouse’s Euan McIntosh, 49 years-young, is relishing the challenge against Old Ranfurly teenager Jamie Stewart, pictured right, in tomorrow’s 36-hole Scottish men’s amateur  championship   final over Blairgowrie Golf Club's Rosemount course.

McIntosh, pictured left, a former Tour professional, defeated Peebles’ Stephen Roger, a former Scottish youths champion when he was a Cruden Bay member, 4 and 3 in the semi-final clash. However, the game could have ended differently had fortune not been on his side at a crucial point in the game.

“The turning point came at the par-4 12^th hole. Stephen knocked it onto the back edge of the green in one. I drove it into the trees, chipped up, holed a 60-footer for birdie and Stephen three-putted.

 

“At that point I was two-up and it was looking like I was going to go back to one-up. Then all of a sudden, I holed that mammoth putt, I’m three-up and to be honest that was the pivotal point in the game.

“I thought to myself, if you have that sort of luck on your side, it is going to be your day.”

McIntosh, who carded seven birdies with no dropped shots, is looking forward to his first appearance in the Scottish amateur championship final.

“Against Jamie in the final, I am going to have to be at my absolute best. Jamie is one of the best prospects in the country. I am obviously an older chap, so it is going to be very difficult, but I am up for the challenge.”

In the other semi-final, 18-year-old Stewart defeated Andrew Thomson (Lanark) 2 and 1.

Stewart was four-up through 12 holes and appeared to be comfortable. However, Thomson produced a late comeback, winning the 13^th and 16^th holes to narrow the gap. Two down with two to go, Thomson’s hopes of taking it to extra holes were dashed when they halved the 17^th in par.

 

Looking ahead to the final, the young Renfrewshire player said:

“It feels good. One of my goals at the start of the week was to make the final and give myself a chance to win it, so I am delighted.

“Tomorrow is going to be a very tough match, I know Euan well. He is a great player and a great guy, who I expect will go out and make a lot of birdies.

“This is my first national match-play final. I’m up for it and can’t wait to get going.”

Talking of the recent change to the championship format, now in its second year of 36-hole stroke play qualifying into match-play, Stewart said

“I prefer it. Most countries have a similar format. Everyone pays money to play in this championship. Before, you could get knocked out in the first round and that was it. With the new format, everyone gets two practice rounds and a minimum of two stroke-play rounds, so it’s fantastic.”

The 36-hole final starts at 8.30am on Sunday at the Perthshire venue with entry free for all spectators.

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 NEW CHAMPIONSHIP OFFICE AND ELECTRONIC SCOREBOARD PARKS-UP AT MEN’S AMATEUR

 

SCOTTISH GOLF NEWS RELEASE 

Technology’s growing role in sport is being embraced by Scottish Golf as a new mobile Championship Office incorporating an electronic scoreboard debuts at the Scottish Men’s Amateur Championship in Blairgowrie this week.

 

With the capability to support all events covering the length and breadth of the country, the new technology will greatly enhance the event experience for players, clubs and supporters alike.

 

The main feature of the new office is a fully integrated 2m x 1m electronic scoreboard which will be used to provide greater scoring visibility as well as display key event and sponsor messages on-site.

 

The Championship Office will provide a more consistent, efficient and sustainable approach to scoring at all Scottish Golf championships.

 This will prove an economic long-term investment and in turn reduce the need to produce plastic name strips and paper draws, as users are encouraged to use their mobile devices for live scoring updates.

It will also offer up a raft of opportunities for both current and prospective sponsors as well as encourage greater social media engagement. 

The technology will also integrate the current tournament system, providing deeper insights into key areas such as pace of play and scoring, where officials and volunteers are already using tablets to monitor play and input scores while on course. 

Fraser Munro, Head of Events, said:

“Our new championship office and electronic scoreboard is another really positive development for our events and shows Scottish Golf are positioning themselves at the forefront of technology, which is undoubtedly going to play an increased role in our sport going forward. 

“It can only be good for the image of golf in Scotland, helping us engage with and attract more young people to golf as well as providing a greater level of support for our clubs, particularly around championships. 

"As it rolls out across the country in the coming months we look forward to seeing it help players and spectators and enhance the overall event experience.”

The new equipment is making its debut at the Scottish men’s amateur championship at Blairgowrie Golf Club this week 

Clare Queen appointed Performance Director

  

NEWS RELEASE

Scottish Golf is delighted to announce the permanent appointment of Clare Queen as Performance Director, one of a trio of key roles confirmed by the new Chief Executive, Andrew McKinlay.

Clare has fulfilled the role in an interim capacity since the departure of Stuart Clayton, who left in April to work with David Leadbetter Golf Academies.

The former Ladies European Tour professional is now responsible for leading the development and implementation of training and competition programmes designed to prepare amateur players to make the transition into the professional ranks.

Clare, pictured right, worked with the Scottish Government-backed Active Schools programme in Clackmannanshire before taking up a Performance Co-ordinator role with the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association in April 2014, joining Scottish Golf after the amalgamation of SLGA and Scottish Golf Union.

Clare Queen said:

“I am proud to be appointed Performance Director and regard it as a huge privilege to help the next generation of successful Scottish golfers through what I know from experience is a tricky transition phase from amateur through to professional.

“The interim role has given me a real insight into the opportunities and challenges facing golfers who aspire to reach the top. I look forward to putting the ideas I have into practice with the help of my colleagues at Scottish Golf and, fundamentally, with the support of clubs and the network of service providers, to ensure players have the best opportunity possible to fulfil their potential.

“What has become apparent in a short period of time is the need to bring clarity to the pathway that exists for golfers and to simplify it. We also need to encourage golfers to practice more effectively and prepare players better to compete on the international stage.

“For those who wish to turn professional It is not always about travelling the world and winning titles, it is about preparing people for what can be a lonely life on the road, a journey that comes with disappointments along the way. Providing support and helping to instil the resilience needed to overcome adversity and reach the top are priorities.

“It has been encouraging to see some success stories already, which will hopefully inspire others and working closer with those who have gone on to become tour professionals will only help those at various stages of the pathway.”

Gillian Paton, pictured left, has also been appointed Performance Manager on a full-time basis, responsible for the Performance Academy, Girls’ and Boys’ Squads and managing the Development Academy with Clare Queen.

The final appointment confirmed by McKinlay, who joined from the Scottish FA in May, was the promotion of Karin Sharp from Corporate Services Director to Chief Operating Officer.

Andrew McKinlay, Scottish Golf Chief Executive, said:

“I am delighted to be able to confirm these posts and have been struck by the dedication and expertise shown by all three in my short time as Chief Executive.

“Clare has already made an impact in the interim role and I know how passionate she is about making the performance pathway the best it can be for aspiring professional golfers. I know she has been ably supported by Gillian and her appointment is a natural step in her development, too.

“Now that the posts have been made permanent, it will allow both to focus on talking Scottish Golf forward.

“I am also pleased to be able to confirm that Karin Sharp’s job title has been changed to Chief Operating Officer. It has been clear to me since my arrival that Karin is a pillar of this organisation and the new job title reflects her role within the organisation and importance to it.” 

Nairn's Scott brothers named in Scotland teams for 

European championships

Scottish Golf has announced Scotland’s men's and boys' line-ups for the European Team Championships, each taking place 10th-14th July 2018. The Scotland women's and girls' teams were announced last week.

The European men's amateur team championship will be played on the Faldo Course in Berlin and the European Top-ranked Scot and recent US Open qualifier Ryan Lumsden (Royal Wimbledon) is in the squad for the  the European amateur team championship, alongside Stuart Easton (Irvine), E uan McIntosh (Turnhouse), Sandy Scott (Nairn), pictured above, Jamie Stewart (Old Ranfurly) and Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie).

Sandy Scott's younger brother Calum, pictured above left, is in the boys' team: Greg Dalziel (Airdrie)., Jack Broun (Ayr Belleisle), George Heath (Woodsome Hall), Ruben Lindsay (Ayr Belleisle), Connor McKinney (Joondalup CC, Australia) and Calum Scott (Nairn).

Scotland women's and girls' teams named for Europe

Scotland international teams named as follows:

EUROPEAN WOMEN'S TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
Murhof GC, Austria.
July 10 to 14
Gemma Batty (West Linton)
Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm)
Chloe Goadby (St Regulus)
Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies)
Hannah McCook (Grantown on Spey)
Shannon McWilliam (Aboyne)

EUROPEAN GIRLS' TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
Forsgardens GC, Sweden.
July 10 to 14
Kirsty Brodie (Strathmore)
Hannah Darling (Broomieknowe)
Louise Duncan (West Kilbride)
Carmen Griffiths (Aboyne)
Lorna McClymont (Milngavie)
Jennifer Rankine (Haggs Castle).

Left to Right: Andrew McKinlay, Gemma Batty, Sam Locke, Chloe Goadby, Darren Howie

ABERDEEN STANDARD INVESTMENTS CONTINUE TO BOOST SCOTTISH GOLF

The new Chief Executive of Scottish Golf, Andrew McKinlay, joined the country’s World Amateur Team Championship hopefuls on his first day in office to announce a continuation of the enduring partnership with Aberdeen Standard Investments [ASI].

McKinlay’s first official duty was to announce the new two-year deal with ASI, which will continue their support of Scotland’s leading men’s and women’s amateurs.

Aberdeen Asset Management - before their merger with Standard Life Investments last August – became the former Scottish Golf Union’s first national team sponsors back in 2007, when the likes of Richie Ramsay and Scott Henry were coming through the amateur ranks. Their continued support is a timely boost as Scottish Golf seeks to grow its commercial revenue.

 

The partnership between Scottish Golf and ASI will enable the country’s most promising amateur players to benefit from a range of support services through the company’s sponsorship of a number of Tour professionals, from potential masterclass opportunities, to advice, knowledge sharing and personal insight.

 

McKinlay, who joins Scottish Golf from his role as Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Executive of the Scottish FA, said: “Firstly, I would like to thank Aberdeen Standard Investments for their ongoing support and commitment to our national amateur teams.

"As one of Scottish Golf’s longest-standing partnerships, they are integral to the future success of our most talented amateur players, notwithstanding their wider investment in the game for more than a decade.

“I am pleased to get started in my new role with such a positive announcement. As we all know, there is much work to be done at Scottish Golf to grow participation in grassroots golf through increased investment and support to our members. Partnerships like the one we have cultivated with Aberdeen Standard Investments will be integral to achieving that aim. The hard work starts here and it is a challenge I am looking forward to immensely.”

Leading Scotland international amateurs Gemma Batty, Chloe Goadby, Darren Howie and Sam Locke were also present at the launch, alongside Aberdeen Standard Investments Global Golf Ambassador and Ladies European Tour player, Kelsey MacDonald.

Ten years on since Scotland lifted the World Amateur Team Championship title in Australia, the amateur quartet will all be bidding for places in this year’s male and female sides, with the Eisenhower Trophy and Espirito Santo Trophy being contested in Ireland at Carton House from late August.

Aberdeen’s sponsorship helps support the players’ winter training camps, which saw a group travel to South Africa earlier in the year to prepare for the new season and compete in leading events on the South African amateur circuit.

Left to Right: Chloe Goadby, Sam Locke, Kelsey Macdonald, Darren Howie, Gemma Batty

Challenges ahead for Scottish Golf after AGM setback over affiliation fee

 SCOTTISH GOLF NEWS RELEASE

 from ED HODGE

Scottish Golf Chair Eleanor Cannon has today (Saturday 10 March) expressed her “deep disappointment” after the membership voted against a proposal to increase the annual affiliation fee paid by members for the first time in five years.

At the governing body’s Annual General Meeting  at Dalmahoy Hotel, Edinburgh, members voted narrowly (270 No, 235 Yes with 10 abstentions) to reject the investment proposals, leaving Scottish Golf to reduce its spending accordingly.

Eleanor Cannon said: “We are deeply disappointed that we will be making more cuts at a time when we should be growing the game not just to make clubs more sustainable, but to hand the game over to our children and their children in a much better state than we found it after 10 to 15 years of decline.

“Following the optimism that emerged from the first ever ‘Future of Golf Conference’ in early December, we were hopeful of continuing our momentum so today is a real setback for all associated with the game in this country.

“The Board will now look again at the budget and our focus will remain on the future of the game in Scotland and the legacy we leave future generations.

“The culture of decision making in Scottish golf must change and there are tough choices ahead. This has been a bruising experience for many of us, but our resolve to strengthen golf in Scotland remains unwavering.”

With growing membership, revenue and participation outlined as key objectives to make positive change as part of the governing body’s revised strategy, Cannon and her Board of Directors were left disappointed when a vote taken to increase the annual affiliation fee per playing member was rejected by Clubs, Counties and Areas at Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club.

Increasing the annual affiliation fee by £3.75 from £11.25 to £15 was outlined to help cover Scottish Golf’s shortfall in sportscotland investment of £350,000, with remaining income from the increase to be invested in front line services to help clubs become stronger and retain and grow their membership during these challenging times.

However, with a majority of over 50% required, the proposed affiliation fee increase was voted against by 270 votes to 235 (with 10 abstentions). Scottish Golf’s current voting structure is one vote per registered club. Each County and Area is allocated 10 votes each thus carrying 44% of the overall voting share.

It means Scottish Golf continues to face significant investment challenges going forward to run the organisation, support clubs and grow participation.

Overheads have already been reduced by £700,000 since amalgamation in October 2015 – overseeing a staff headcount reduction from 48 to 32 – with more overall cuts now expected.

New chief executive Andrew McKinlay starts his position in May and Cannon added: “It is clear golf needs to adapt to the changing demands of modern lifestyles, embrace families and dramatically change cultures and behaviours to attract new audiences, particularly the female non-golfers and the younger generation.

“Under the leadership of Andrew, we will look to make this game better and stronger, but there is no doubt that today is a disappointment for the many Clubs, Counties and Areas who supported the change, as well as Scottish Golf’s Board and the staff.”

The AGM also saw the appointment of June McEwan as Scottish Golf’s new President, the first female to hold the role following amalgamation in 2015 and a fitting reward for her work as a volunteer across various levels of the game. Malcolm Mitchell was appointed as Senior Vice President and David Fleming as Junior Vice President.

With Malcolm Robertson, Roz Cuschieri, Stephen Docherty and Neil MacDonald all coming off the Board following the end of their terms, four new individuals were successfully nominated.

Brendan Dick, currently Chair of BT Scotland and Chair of The Scottish Council for Development and Industry, joins the Board, along with Sean Duffy, the newly-appointed CEO of The Wise Group. Bill Woodley, a senior executive with Deutsche Bank who sits on the Board and Audit Committee of the Tiger Woods Foundation, also takes up a Board position, joined by Lorna Brown, a procurement and supplier management professional, most recently with Sainsbury’s and The Student Loans Company.

Saturday, March 10 new date for Scotland Golf AGM

Due to the current weather and  weekend forecast , the Scotland Golf AGM, scheduled for Sunday at Dalmahoy, has been postponed.

New date for the event is Saturday, March 10.

More information: 

https://www.scottishgolf.org/agm-postoned-due-to-weather-and-travel-conditions/

Junior Masters event at Blairgowrie launched in memory of Barrie Douglas

 

SCOTTISH GOLF NEWS RELEASE

One of the most popular figures across Scottish amateur golf is to be honoured with an event bearing his name to raise valuable funds for junior golf in this country.

 

The inaugural ‘Barrie Douglas Scottish Junior Masters’ will be staged over Blairgowrie’s Lansdowne Course this year in a fitting tribute for the Perthshire native.

 

Barrie, pictured, one of the game’s great characters and a guiding hand to the career of many young players including European Tour card holders Bradley Neil and Connor Syme, passed away last August while on duty as Scotland captain at the European Boys’ Team Championship in Spain.

 

His sudden death aged only 69 left many in the game deeply saddened and quickly saw the formation of The Barrie Douglas Foundation in his honour to help up-and-coming young players. A huge supporter of Scottish Golf activities, Barrie performed various selection and captaincy roles and was also a GB&I selector for The R&A from 2009 – 2016.

 

Now the Scottish Junior Masters has been added to this season’s calendar, a 54-hole (no cut) World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) event for Under-16 and Under-18 boys that will be played at Blairgowrie from 27 – 29 April. A field of 120 boys are encouraged to sign up, with the great value �75 entry fee featuring the three competitive rounds, a practice round, breakfast & lunch vouchers, a player gift pack and a hot dog and family fun golf night on the evening of Saturday 28 April.

 

Spencer Henderson, Scottish Golf National Boys’ Coach and a great friend of Barrie’s, has played an active role in the formation of the event and hopes it is well supported.

 

He said: “Barrie did so much for boys’ golf, in particular, in Scotland, so I thought it would be a great tribute to run a tournament in his honour. We went to so many events together down the years so I knew what he liked and we’ve taken inspiration for Barrie’s event from the annual Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters tournament in England.

 

“There is a real feel to that event, family friendly as well and we’re going to try and do the same at Blairgowrie, especially on the Saturday evening to get people together.

 

“The fact our event is WAGR-ranked will hopefully attract players, with the event also being on the Scottish Golf Boys’ Order of Merit. I’m just delighted we have managed to make it happen.”

Henderson hopes the event can blossom further and added: “Blairgowrie have been fantastic to work with and we look forward to raising funds through the Foundation for junior golfers across Scotland, who might not have the opportunity to play.

 

“I’m then hoping the event is going to grow to an international tournament over 72 holes in the future, with girls also involved. Barrie’s genuine passion was for under-16 and under-18 players and trying to help them develop and eventually see them play for Scotland and Great Britain and Ireland. He was boys’ captain for players like Bradley Neil, Connor Syme, Ewen Ferguson and Liam Johnston.

 

“A lot of the players that will be competing in April have also come through the Paul Lawrie and Stephen Gallacher Foundations, the work that they are doing is brilliant, and we just wanted an event to complement their activities.”

Other fund-raising events for The Barrie Douglas Foundation are lined up for later this year, including a sportsman’s dinner and a charity golf day.

Entries are now open for the Barrie Douglas Junior Masters so log on to www.scottishgolf.org/championships for more information.