The Ladies Golf Union and the R&A are set to come together as one company following an extensive consultation exercise.
The merging of the two companies has been met positively by the golf industry. The LGU organises a series of prestigious championships and international matches including the Ricoh Women’s British Open and the Curtis Cup and the merger will be an opportunity to further develop these world class events.
Chairman of the Ladies Golf Union, Trish Wilson, said, “‘The LGU has a long and proud tradition of supporting women’s and girls’ golf. Funded by the lady golfers of Great Britain and Ireland, the Ladies Golf Union has positioned golf as a game for all women and girls. My gratitude is due to our shareholders for their foresight and support in this move.
“I would like to thank the Chief Executive of The R&A and his team, and the foresight of his predecessor, for their initiative and conviction in achieving this outcome. Building on the strong relationship it already enjoys with The R&A, the Ladies Golf Union looks forward to realising the potential of this merger.”
Chief Executive of The R&A, Martin Slumbers, said, “The Ladies Golf Unoin and The R&A have a wealth of experience in running successful championships and we have a shared focus on supporting the development of golf. The merger will enable us to capitalise on the strengths of the two organisations for the wider benefit of the sport, including the development of golf for women and girls.
“This is a historic move and an important step forward for golf on these islands. I would like to thank the Ladies Golf Union Board for their commitment and enthusiasm throughout this process and their stakeholders, including Ricoh and IMG, for their tremendous support.”
The business operations of the LGU will be brought into The R&A group of companies with effect from 1 January 2017.
