The last hurdle in Scottish Golf’s amalgamation of governing bodies appears to have been cleared with an overwhelming number of clubs in favour, according to an independent poll.
The plan to merge the Scottish Golf Union and the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association into one has been a fraught five-year process, with original proposals being voted down when tabled to stakeholders two years ago.
However, a redrawn plan has already been approved unanimously by the SLGA and has been given a clear green light from the clubs in the poll, commissioned by the SGU to gauge support ahead of their extraordinary general meeting at Stirling Court Hotel at the end of this month, where the final decision will be taken.
The poll, conducted by 4 global consulting Ltd on behalf of the SGU, found just 11 of Scotland’s 623 golf clubs and societies opposed the amalgamation proposal. The poll saw 58% of all clubs eligible casting their vote, with 97% of those who responded in favour.
With the SLGA voting 204-0 to support merger at their annual meeting last month and a majority of the men’s area associations known to be in broad support, it seems certain it will be approved on March 30.
SGU chairman Tom Craig, who has painstakingly taken the process through a thorough consultation in the last two years, said the vote sent out a powerful message.
“I’m delighted that clubs in every area of the country have overwhelmingly supported the proposal. This shows clubs want to help build a positive future for the game in Scotland.
“We thank all clubs for taking the time to participate in the poll and we expect that the result will provide those charged with voting at the SGU EGM on March 30 with a clear mandate from their affiliated clubs.
“I look forward to seeing all 16 area representatives in Stirling and approach this historic occasion with great optimism.”
A joint working group circulated the new proposal to all areas, counties and clubs in Scotland.
The existing governing bodies feel amalgamation can provide a platform for a new organisation to lead Scottish golf positively into the future, help clubs thrive and attract more people of all ages and gender into the sport.
Scotland’s leading male and female golfers, Stephen Gallacher and Catriona Matthew, have also backed the plans to amalgamate the two governing bodies for the future benefit of the game.
Scotland is one of only three countries where the governing bodies of golf are divided by gender and golf is the only major sport in the country to be split in this way.
There were fears central funding via sportscotland could dry up for golf if an amalgamation was blocked a second time.