'Breakneck speed' fear over SGU and SLGA merger plan

CONCERN has been expressed about the proposed amalgamation of the Scottish Golf Union and the Scottish Ladies Golf Association proceeding at "breakneck" speed. The move to create a unified body to run the amateur game in the home of golf was discussed by a full house for the SLGA's annual meeting in Perth at the weekend.

SLGA chairman Shona Malcolm and chief operating officer Sheila Hartley presented a cut-down version of the roadshow that had rolled out to clubs and counties around Scotland in the last few months. "There were many questions from the floor and anxiety that the proposals were proceeding at 'breakneck speed' with little time to take it in was voiced," said attendee Gillian Kirkwood, the LGU chairman.

Feedback from the meeting will be discussed at a meeting of the amalgamation committee at the end of the month. "There were questions of costs, representation, who would pay etc," added Kirkwood. "It was emphasised that the proposal was a 'very broad brush' at present, the minutiae of how it will all happen has not yet be finalised.

"Yes, there would be costs, but they would be kept to a minimum, and absorbed by both organisations. SLGA County and SGU Area boundaries would remain the same. There is no proposal for Counties and Areas to amalgamate."