Exploratory discussions are underway between the Ladies’ Golf Union (LGU) and The R&A towards establishing a more closely coordinated working relationship and the possibility of a merger between the two organisations.
The Joint Statement says, “There is a great deal of synergy between the LGU and The R&A, with both based in St Andrews and responsible for staging Major Championships, prestigious amateur events and international matches. Both organisations are committed to supporting the development of golf and encouraging participation in the sport. A further announcement will be made in due course.”
Founded in 1893, the LGU is the encompassing body for ladies’ amateur golf in Great Britain & Ireland. The LGU Board includes representatives of ladies’ golf’s national governing bodies in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Operational activities are undertaken by a wholly owned subsidiary, LGU Championships Limited (“LGUCL”), which in particular owns and runs the Ricoh Women’s British Open, founded by the LGU in 1976 and one of the five Major Tournaments for professional women golfers. LGUCL also has responsibility for running British Amateur Championships and Home International events, and preparing the Great Britain & Ireland teams for representative matches, such as the Curtis Cup and the Vagliano Trophy.
Based in St Andrews, The R&A organises The Open, major amateur events and international matches. Together with the United States Golf Association, The R&A governs the game worldwide, jointly administering the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status, Equipment Standards and World Amateur Golf Rankings. The R&A’s working jurisdiction is global, excluding the United States and Mexico.
The R&A is committed to working for golf and supports the growth of the game internationally and the development and management of sustainable golf facilities. The R&A operates with the consent of 152 organisations from the amateur and professional game and on behalf of over thirty million golfers in 138 countries.
The Ladies’ Golf Union www.lgu.org
The R&A www.randa.org
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