The Group, comprising Members of all major political parties and from both Houses of Parliament, has the singular remit to “support the sport of golf”.
All-Party Parliamentary Groups do not receive public funding and are often reliant on supporters to enable activities.
The R&A supports the growth of golf at all levels around the world and, together with the USGA, governs the sport worldwide. Based in St Andrews, The R&A organises golf’s oldest and most international major championship, The Open and a series of prestigious amateur championships and international matches.
The Group welcomes support from other organisations and individuals. Associate Members are welcome at Ordinary Meetings., the next of which will be held on 18 April in the Palace of Westminster.
Karl McCartney, the Group’s Chairman and Member of Parliament for Lincoln, welcomed The R&A’s support. He said, “I am pleased to announce The R&A has agreed to support the All-Party Parliamentary Golf Group. Although the Group is in its infancy, we already have a full programme of events scheduled for the coming year as we seek to support the sport at all levels.”
Further meetings of the Group – shown on its website www.parliamentary.golf – are scheduled for 18 April; 4 July and 24 October. The Group’s Annual Dinner on the Terrace of the House of Lords has been arranged for 22 November. All are open to Associate Members.
Group Vice-Chairman Stephen Gethins MP’s constituency of North East Fife is home to The R&A. He echoed McCartney’s words, adding, “The R&A’s support will allow the Group to tackle issues central to the sport of golf and ensure that its potential to drive economic development as well as deliver health and social benefits is realised at both the local and national level.”
Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, welcomed the Group’s creation. He said, “We are delighted to be supporting the Parliamentary Golf Group. Golf makes substantial social and economic contributions across the United Kingdom and we look forward to working closely with the Group as it seeks to provide a strong voice for our sport in Westminster, Whitehall and beyond.”
The R&A www.RandA.org
All Party Parliamentary Golf Group www.parliamentary.golf