Donald Turner blames self-interest as unification bid set to fail

DONALD Turner, the independent chairman of the working group behind the proposed amalgamation of Scotland's golf bodies, has conceded it seems unlikely that the move will be approved next week.

But he is still confident an agreement can eventually be reached to create a single body from the Scottish Golf Union and the Scottish Ladies Golf Association.

Turner has blamed "entrenched views" for the dispute between some of the 16 men's Area associations and the SGU, but said it was "too late" to come up with a new proposal ahead of two separate votes.

He also claimed that the Areas, of which as many as 12 could be set to vote against, were dismissing the chance to still have "a pretty powerful say" in the running of the amateur game as they seemed more concerned about retaining their own status.

"I cannot say I am overly optimistic about the proposal going through," said Turner of the vote by the Area associations next Thursday, the day after the SLGA is expected to give it a huge thumps up at their extraordinary general meeting.

"If that is the case, it will certainly be very frustrating because I think we have made a very realistic proposition for a modern-thinking and listening company to take amateur golf forward. But there are some very entrenched views from people who are not receptive to change.

"It is too late to change anything because, due to the fact that two parties (the SGU and SLGA] are involved, it would involve a lot of paperwork and consultation. We have to go through with this process now and see how the boards react. I have no influence over that, but I believe what we have put forward is sensible."

A sub-group put together by the Areas has produced an alternative proposal, though it is believed that some of the SGU officials see that as a "red herring" due to the fact it would require the SLGA to make a "significant compromise".

"Every time the people against this proposal have been asked anything by us, they have never come back with a clear or cohesive answer," added Turner. "The current Executive Council no longer existing is obviously a sticking point because the Areas would have a lesser individual vote.

"But what they are ignoring, in my opinion, is the possibility of them still having a pretty powerful vote through their clubs. It must make sense to get that participation from the clubs, but a number of individuals are trying to maintain their own status, if you like. Any process of change is likely to be viewed with scepticism, but this proposed change is bigger than any individual and I am absolutely confident it will happen eventually. If it is unsuccessful next week, I hope the SGU board and its shareholders (the Areas] get their heads together and look into the future.

"The shareholders have delegated management responsibility to the board, but seem to be trying to influence it at every turn. They have to have some vision."In its latest e-bulletin to golf clubs, the SGU said the amalgamation process has "now reached a critical stage", but one thing for certain is that the SLGA won't be entertaining the voting split being suggested in the alternative "Glasgow proposal".