Scottish Golf Union Director Colin Wood has become only the second Scotsman after Sandy Sinclair some 30 years ago to be elected the new European Golf Association President.
The 68-year-old from Peebles has been appointed to the prestigious role for a two-year term (2014-15) following a recent gathering of leading golf officials in Finland.
“I’m proud to achieve this, quite humbled actually,” said Colin, who currently serves on the SGU Board as Chairman of the Golf Course Committee and Handicap and Course Rating Committee.
Wood, an honorary member and past captain of Peebles Golf Club, will use his wealth of experience to aid with the running of national championships across 44 countries in Europe, as well as assist with issues such as handicapping, the environment and legislation.
Wood joined the SGU Board in January 2009, having previously served as President of the SGU between 1999 and 2001. He is also a past non-playing captain of the Scotland team (1997-98).
“It was Great Britain and Ireland’s turn for the Presidency,” explained Colin, also a member at Dunbar and the New Club, St Andrews. “There are four zones in Europe and the Presidency goes around the zones on an eight-year basis. I was selected by GB & I after I had talked it over with Hamish Grey, the SGU Chief Executive, who then proposed me for the role. It’s a great honour and a role I’m very much looking forward to.”
“There are 44 countries under the banner of the European Golf Association,” he added. “It runs national championships, as well as assisting with handicapping, environmental and legislative issues. The Association also seeks to help developing countries as much as possible. I’m going to be busy, together with my work for the SGU and my day job as a farmer.”
Sinclair OBE became the first Scot to hold the post of European Golf Association President in 1983-84, trying then to reconcile the interests of 21 golfing countries at a time when European golf was coming to the fore.
Sinclair was also President of the SGU from 1976 to 1978 and he went on to become captain of the R&A in 1988.
European Golf Association www.ega-golf.ch