UPDATE FROM SCOTTISH GOLF BOARD 8 December 2015

The new Scottish Golf Board met for the first time on 25 November with a number of key decisions taken that follow on from commitments made in the Amalgamation Proposal.

JIM BURNS APPOINTED SCOTTISH GOLF PRESIDENT

The Executive is delighted to announce that Jim Burns from Stranraer Golf Club has been appointed President for Scottish Golf in 2016. Jim has demonstrated a strong commitment to golf both locally and nationally over a long period of time serving with the South of Scotland Golfers’ Association as President, Honorary Secretary and SGU Representative, and with the Scottish Golf Union, with a particular passion for coaching youngsters. He is currently the Manager of Stranraer Golf Club. This is a tremendous honour for Jim and golf in the South of Scotland to have the first President of the new regime.

2016 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The first Annual General Meeting of Scottish Golf will be held on Sunday 6 March 2016, involving a day of educational opportunities relating to golf. Further details, including venue and agenda will be announced in the New Year.

CLUB AFFILIATION SUBSCRIPTION FEES

The amalgamation proposal featured a commitment for the Board to consider the issue of subscriptions. A Club Affiliation Fees working group will be set up to make recommendations to the Board for their August 2016 meeting. A group representative of the Board, executive staff, Clubs, Areas and Counties, complemented by an independent expert is now being formed and will begin their discussions early in the New Year.

REGIONS AND FORUMS

A working group will also be set-up to consider the roles of Areas and Counties and establish regional and national forums, as referenced I the amalgamation proposal. The new Board agreed that both issues are inextricably linked and the group will lead a process to engage and consult with Areas and Counties to determine an agreed way forward for regions and forums. The first national forum will involve a meeting of all Areas and Counties early in the New Year as a matter of priority and a date will be communicated as soon as possible.

CEO and SENIOR STAFF APPOINTMENTS

The Board took the decision to appoint Hamish Grey to the role of Chief Executive Officer and Karin Sharp to the role of Corporate Services Director. Hamish was previously CEO of the Scottish Golf Union while Karin was formerly Chief Operating Officer of the SLGA.