Key PGA role for Shona Malcolm

SHONA Malcolm has become the first female to land a leading administration post in golf outwith one of the women’s governing bodies after being appointed as secretary of the PGA in Scotland.

The new secretary of the PGA in Scotland, Shona Malcolm. Picture: Getty

The Ayrshire woman has a wealth of experience in the sport, having served as both chairman of the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association and CEO of the Ladies’ Golf Union.

In the latter role, Malcolm successfully re-engineered the St Andrews-based organisation, managing and growing marketing and promotional sponsorship activities while delivering both professional and amateur golf championships.

Malcolm is the first woman to be appointed as a PGA secretary in any of its seven Regions, with the Association having been founded in 1901.

Announcing her appointment, PGA director of Regions Liam Greasley said: “Shona’s experience and passion for the game means that she is extremely well equipped to promote the best interests of the PGA in Scotland, its members and to realise the Region’s potential.”

Malcolm, who takes over from Brian Mair following his departure to the Scottish Golf Union, officially starts her new role on Monday and will be based at the PGA in Scotland regional office at Gleneagles.

The appointment is the latest in a series of developments involving women that are changing the face of golf.

Last September, the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews voted overwhelmingly in favour of admitting women members for the first time in its 260-year history.

On the back of that, it was announced earlier this year that the R&A and the LGU had begun discussions regarding closer ties and a possible merger. Both organisations are based in St Andrews and both are responsible for staging major championships, prestigious amateur events and international matches.

Around the same time, Royal Troon, the venue for next year’s Open, revealed it was undertaking a comprehensive review of its men-only membership policy, something that is also now happening at Muirfield.