Scottish Golf takes action over "aggressive, abusive" comments

Scottish Golf is making plans to turn off the comment section on its media channels

The step was revealed by Eleanor Cannon, chair of the governing body, as she delivered her 2019 review via a video following the postponement of Sunday's scheduled annual general meeting in Stirling due to the coronavirus.

"Whilst we see great strides being made for inclusivity and diversity within our sport, we are also not without our challenges," said Cannon.

"With the recent media spotlight on online bullying and, with utter respect for the values of golf which we all hold so dear, going forward we have decided to turn off the comment function on the Scottish Golf media channels once the technical ability has been developed by the social media companies.

"As a governing body, we hope you will all support us as we do our part to make our social channels kinder and safer and a positive beacon for the sport and all its participants.

"Most importantly, we all want to be proud of the example that we set as adults to the young people who we want to welcome into the game.

"This decision wasn't made because we don't want to encourage the spirit of feedback and learning across the game. What we are challenging is the aggressive, abusive comments that appear from the minority directed at volunteers and at employees.

"As we go forward, we will be able to welcome comments, ideas and feedback, positive and negative, through the traditional methods - face-to-face meetings, emails and letters."

In an update on the coronavirus on Monday, Scottish Golf said it was urging member clubs to help each other by sharing "best practice" ideas in reacting to the pandemic.

"Our golf clubs are caring communities in their own right and, because of the age profile of our membership across Scotland at this unprecedented time, there are many frightened and lonely people who club members are rallying around to support," added Cannon.

"The team at Scottish Golf will continue to monitor and onward communicate the Government advise to governing bodies. We must respect the experts and continually be guided by them as the situation evolves.

"Our game is mostly about individual excellence. However, the values of the game are never stronger than when we are in a team situation. I know that everyone, everywhere in Scotland, will be working together to excel through this present time of anxiety and of hardship."