Golf clubs in Kent have voted overwhelmingly in favour of the unification of Kent Golf Union Limited and Kent County Ladies’ Golf Association joining under the banner of Kent Golf Limited.
Unification was originally planned to take place in March. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions imposed at the time, it was decided to defer. The vote has now taken place following two separate virtual Annual General Meetings, and the necessary resolutions were duly passed to adopt a new constitution and the name ‘Kent Golf Limited’.
KGL will be run by a board of directors of both genders and reflecting a requirement of a minimum 30 per cent of either gender. The first board comprises Peter Long (Chair), Paul Cannons (Captain), Danny Curtis, Joanna Dennis, Chris Lohan (President), Tita McCart (Captain), Jim Pocknell (President), Cheryl Power, Mark Ward and John Young,
Peter Long, chairman of KGU, said: ‘This is a fantastic outcome following many months of hard work by the Unification Working Group and its predecessors. We have demonstrated we can work well together in a friendly, co-operative and efficient manner. Exciting times lay ahead with our biggest challenge being to encourage more women, men and juniors to take up and then continue to play golf’.
Cheryl Power, outgoing KCLGA Captain, added: “Many countywide activities are already undertaken jointly, including safeguarding, course rating, refereeing, junior recruitment and competitions; and now, with unification, we can look forward to having a greater perception of what our Kent members need and want, resulting we hope, in increased participation in county competitions and events, with accessibility for golfers of all levels and abilities.”