Scottish Golf chief executive Andrew McKinlay stepped down from the governing body for the amateur game in Scotland in a shock move last night.
A statement from Scottish Golf quoted “very difficult decisions regarding income and expenditure” behind the move that sees McKinlay leave after just two years in the post.
The former chief operating officer at the Scottish Football Association was a surprise appointment from outside the sport when he succeeded Blane Dodds in February 2018. Dodds had vacated the post to go to Tennis Scotland in the midst of a major reform programme of Scottish Golf’s funding.
McKinlay was a strong influence in his time in charge but the effects of the coronavirus pandemic have put considerable pressure on the finances of the organisation.
As the highest earner on the Scottish Golf staff, it seems McKinlay has left to help stabilise an increasingly difficult financial situation.
“Scottish Golf, like all businesses and indeed golf clubs across the country, is having to assess its business model,” read a statement released by Scottish Golf last night.
“The governing body has had to make some very difficult decisions regarding income and expenditure, to ensure sustainability in the current circumstances.
“To this end, our Chief Executive, Andrew McKinlay, has decided that he should step aside in order to help the organisation come through this situation.
“He leaves having worked with the team on a revised structure that will be fit for purpose when we emerge from the national lockdown.”
SG Chair Eleanor Cannon, who was instrumental in McKinlay’s appointment, thanked him for his contribution to the organisation over the past two years.
“He brought a wealth of experience to what can be a pressurised role,” she said.
“He has helped take the organisation forward and has now taken a very difficult decision at this challenging time. I thank him for doing so and wish him the very best for the future.”
McKinlay said: “It has been a privilege to lead this fantastic organisation and, I am grateful to Eleanor and the board for the opportunity.
“Above all I am indebted to the team at Scottish Golf for their commitment in implementing the objectives to take the game forward towards a sustainable and, indeed, prosperous future.”
