SGU boosted by sponsors

Published on 16/11/2012 00:00

THE Scottish Golf Union is becoming “less reliant” on the per capita fee it receives from every club member in the country due to its strong sponsorship portfolio.

That will include TaylorMade-adidas Golf until at least 2016 after the equipment and apparel manufacturer agreed a four-year extension to its contract with the St Andrews-based organisation.

The company’s sponsorship of the SGU started in 2001 and a number of players, including current European Masters champion Richie Ramsay, have continued to use the clubs after turning professional.

“Richie has been a fantastic brand ambassador,” said amateur programme manager Matt Blackey.

The SGU brings in just over £300,000 at the moment in terms of cash sponsorship, while it also gets support in kind totalling £240,000.

“We are now matching the revenue that comes in from club subscriptions,” said the body’s marketing and sponsorship manager, Ross Duncan. “That is a big achievement for us as it means we are less reliant on the club subscriptions.”