Awards for Englands top golf volunteers
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England’s top golf volunteers were recognised this week with awards for their inspiring work which encourages people to take up and enjoy the sport. The winners were: Patrick Denning of Kent, Shenal Patel of Surrey, Sally Benn of Derbyshire, Guy Carr of County Durham, Carol Delf of Norfolk, Jenny Clink of Gloucestershire and Ted Leather of Cheshire. They were applauded by a packed conference hall made up of those leading the EGP’s vision to ‘Grow the Game’ through the County Golf Partnership structure. Phil Beard, Volunteer Manager for the England Golf Partnership, said: “These volunteers are truly inspiring people who play a crucial part in growing the game. They readily give up their time and many people are playing and enjoying golf because of their encouragement. These awards recognise the importance and value of our volunteers.” The winners: Patrick Denning of Kent - Young Golf Volunteer of the Year, under 18 Volunteering has helped increase Patrick’s confidence to overcome a stammer and he has successfully given a live radio interview. Patrick remarked: “Volunteering has opened up a new world for me and shown me how much work goes on in the background at events.” Shenal Patel of Surrey - Golf Volunteer of the Year, age 18-25 Shenal, 25, was recently appointed to a job with London 2012 and credits her successful career move to her volunteering skills. “This is a massive honour and I didn’t expect it. I volunteer just for the sake of it, giving back what I get from golf and hopefully inspiring other people to play,” she said. Sally Benn of Derbyshire - Golf Volunteer Coach of the Year Sally, who has been involved in sport all her life, also delivers Tri-Golf and Golf Xtreme at local schools and is involved in county junior golf. “I put a lot in – but I get an awful lot out,” said Sally. “It’s great to see people reach their potential and if I can be a cog in the wheel it’s incredible.” Guy Carr of Durham – Club Development Award Guy is a PGA Level One coach and helps club PGA professional Shaun Cowell at weekly junior sessions. Guy, a past captain and a committee member, is also involved in current initiatives to further improve the club. Guy said: “It’s fantastic to win this award but it represents all the hard work done by a lot of people.” Carol Delf of Norfolk - County Development Award Carol is also a stalwart of women’s and girls’ golf in Norfolk where she has been county captain and chairman and is currently county junior organiser. She is also a key volunteer at her own club, Gt Yarmouth & Caister, where she has been ladies’ captain and a member of the club committee. “This award is good for Norfolk, it’s recognition for what we’re doing in the county – and that’s what it’s all about,” said Carol. Jenny Clink of Gloucestershire - Services to Golf/Lifetime Achievement (female) Jenny helped found the Gloucestershire Golf Partnership and is actively involved at grass roots events. Jenny said: “Having played golf for almost all of my life I have been very happy to ‘give back’ time to the game, and it has more than repaid me. I have also been lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time and I have never learned to say ‘No’!” Ted Leather of Cheshire - Services to Golf/Lifetime Achievement (male) Over the past year he’s combined his CGP duties with those of club captain at Warrington Golf Club, where he’s been a member for over 40 years. Ted was president of the Cheshire Union of Golf Clubs in 2008 and still sits on the executive committee. “I’ve always been very keen to develop golf and to look forward to the future, but I certainly didn’t expect this award,” said Ted. The national volunteering programme is delivered via the England Golf Partnership’s ‘Whole Sport Plan’ for golf and is an integral part of the England Golf Partnership’s vision to ‘Grow the Game’. For more on volunteers go to www.golfvolunteers.org. |
JOINT PRESIDENTS AT THE HELM OF ENGLAND GOLF
16th February 2012
Following the recent merger of the English Golf Union with the English Women’s Golf Association to form England Golf, joint presidents for 2012 were voted into office at yesterday’s (Wednesday) Annual Meeting at Woodhall Spa.
Paul Baxter (Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire), the past Chief Executive of the English Golf Union, and Sue Johnson (Huddersfield, Yorkshire), a past Chairman of the England Ladies’ Golf Association and the Ladies Golf Union, will operate in tandem for the new organisation for the coming year.
Paul Baxter says: “The merger will undoubtedly bring with it a number of challenges however it will also create opportunities.
“I have known Sue Johnson for a number of years and we have worked together in the past. Our role is to support the Board bring together a smooth transition of the two organisations into a single body for the promotion and development of English golf.
“Creating one organisation provides the opportunity to grow the game at a time when membership of clubs is declining and one of my ambitions during my year as President is to promote the benefits of golf club membership.
“I am also looking forward to supporting England teams and visiting the clubs hosting our championships, but most of all I look forward meeting the people who make the game tick – the club volunteers who give so willingly of their time so that we can play and enjoy this wonderful game.”
Sue Johnson says: “This is history in the making and we are privileged to be part of it. Through our roles we can help to bring men and women golfers together as members of one, united and successful organisation. So, I shall attend some men’s events and Paul will be at a number of women’s events. “The merger which created England Golf was for the good of all amateur golfers, and it is now up to us to make it work."
After studying mechanical engineering as part of an apprenticeship with Golf Ball Development for Penfolds, Paul Baxter worked for Rolls Royce and the Bemrose Corporation in Derby before moving into golf administration in 1973 as secretary at Chevin Golf Club.
Four years later he moved to Sherwood Forest before the switch to the EGU at its headquarters in Leicester prior to the move to Woodhall Spa in 1996.
Paul is also an accomplished golfer. After joining Sherwood Forest as a junior in 1956, he was English boy champion in 1960 as well as a boy and youth international. He captained the England youth team and also represented GB&I at boys level.
He was Derbyshire champion three times, match play champion four times and once Nottinghamshire champion. His involvement at the helm of the EGU restricted his playing opportunities but he was captain of the Midland Golf Union 1982–84 and President of the Nottinghamshire Schools Association 1983-84.
In 2001, Paul became an England senior international and in recent times has been a member of the Lincolnshire seniors team, becoming Lincolnshire seniors champion in 2009.
Paul has been married to Carol for 47 years and they still live in Woodhall Spa. They have two sons, Frazer who is the golf professional at Market Harborough Golf Club, and Iain, a Wing Commander in the RAF, and a daughter Sharon, who is a Ward Sister at a hospital in nearby Boston. They also have six grand children.
Sue Johnson is a past chairman of the English Ladies Golf Association (ELGA) and the Ladies Golf Union (LGU).
She began her career in golf administration in Yorkshire and went on to represent the county on ELGA, which became the English Women’s Golf Association. She became ELGA chairman in 1987 then started a six-year term on the LGU, which she chaired in 1994.
Sue was LGU president from 2001-03, has also been captain and president of Yorkshire and is a life vice-president of both bodies.
During her time with the LGU Sue was involved with running the Commonwealth Tournament, now the Astor Trophy, and the Curtis Cup when it was held at Royal Liverpool.
She has been a single figure golfer for most of her life and played for the Yorkshire second team, but says: “I’ve never been a top golfer but I have had such pleasure from the game and met so many wonderful people.”
Sue was introduced to the game by her husband, Peter, and their elder son, Paul, recently finished his term of office as Huddersfield club captain. Their other son, Dan, represented Great Britain in wheelchair basketball in three Paralympic Games and their daughter, Jill, played for the England Under 18 hockey team, before making her home in France. Sue has four grandchildren.
John Petrie appointed CEO of England Golf
Following the merger of the English Golf Union (EGU) and the English Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) on the 1st January 2012 it has been announced that John Petrie has been appointed the Chief Executive of the new organisation, England Golf.
The decision to appoint John Petrie, who was previously Chief Executive of the English Golf Union, in the role, was ratified at the first meeting of the new Board of England Golf earlier this month.
For more information please visit our website.
Upcoming prizes
We have some great prizes up for grabs in the upcoming prize draws.
February: Sees the return of Fourball Fridays and your chance to win a Fourball at Wentworth, Burnham & Berrow, Stoke Park and Woburn.
March: Two hospitality tickets to the Grand National at Aintree, two weekend tickets to the Elite Ice Hockey League Playoffs at the National Ice Centre and finally two tickets to Rugby Union's premier European club competition the Heineken Cup at Twickenham.
For more information please visit the Events and Prize section on the YourEGU website.
England Golf Fourball Fridays are back!
Due to popular demand we are delighted to inform you that Fourball Fridays are back! You have the opportunity to win a fourball at some of the most prestigous clubs in England in our Fourball Fridays prize draws.
This time around we even more fantastic venues as prizes to kick start your 2012 season. In conjunction with Wentworth, Sherwood Forest, Stoke Park and Woburn we are pleased to offer a chance to win a fourball at one of the clubs each Friday in February. When you sign up to the Member Benefits programme you are automatically entered into each weeks prize draw so there is no need to worry about missing the closing date! Please visit the Events and Prizes section on the YourEGU website where you will find more information on each of the clubs taking part in the Fourball Friday prize draws as well as the other upcoming Prize Draws!
Best Regards,
Members Benefits Team
Sherwood Forest - 10th February Prize Draw
Win a fourball for you and three friends at Sherwood Forest Golf Club. Prize draw on Friday 10th February. The long established heathland course weaves through the pine, silver birch and oak trees of Clipstone Woods within the legendary Sherwood Forest. The club is also one of the oldest heathland courses in England, initially designed by Harry Colt and subsequently enhanced by James Braid.
As a premier course the club has hosted many national competitions over the years, including the British and English Seniors, regional qualifying for The Open Championship between 2002-2007 and the 2006 England Boy's Amateur Stroke Play Championships.
Stoke Park - 17th February Prize Draw
Win a Fourball for you and three friends at Stoke Park. Prize draw on Friday 17th February. Stoke Park is set among 350 acres of glorious parkland, lakes, historic gardens and monuments created over the past one thousand years. It is the perfect place to play sport and enjoy life in a friendly atmosphere.
It provides a unique combination of the traditions of an exclusive members' club and the best of today's sporting, leisure and entertaining facilities, in one of the most convenient locations in Britain, only 35 minutes from central London and 7 miles from London Heathro
Woburn - 24th February Prize Draw
Win a fourball for you and three friends at Woburn Golf Club. Prize draw on Friday 24th February.
Woburn Golf Club have offered England Golf Members the opportunity to choose which course they play with thier voucher. Woburn has a choice of three championship courses, over 54 holes. The Duke's, Duchess' and Marquess' courses have all been recognised in recent years as some of the top courses in the world. They are set in the heart of stunning woodland on the historic Bedford Estates and it is this provenance that gives the club and courses such character.
Many of the great of golf have played and won at Woburn over the years. As Woburn continues to host prestigous events and tournaments, it is however the spirit of sportsmanship that continues to thrive that makes Woburn Golf Club truly great.
From the 1st January 2012, The English Golf Union Limited merged with The English Women's Golf Association and, from that date, will trade as 'England Golf'.
London Pride
England Golf and Fuller’s London Pride have announced an extension to the current partnership that will see Fuller’s London Pride continue as the Official Beer of England Golf until 2016.
Since the partnership was formed in 2006, London Pride has supported a number of key initiatives at club level throughout England, including title sponsorship of the EGU Gold Medal, the largest event of its kind for club handicap golfers. The grassroots tournament, which takes place each summer, attracts great support from hundreds of clubs and tens of thousands of golfers each year, with the top competitors being invited to the two -day grand final at the home of English Golf, Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire.
In addition to the Gold Medal, the London Pride EGU Steward of the Year has continued to gather momentum in each of the five years it has been running. The initiative rewards the unsung heroes and heroines of the golf club, the club stewards and stewardesses. Members, visitors and clubs are asked to nominate the person who they feel goes the extra mile at the 19th hole. This is then followed by a rigorous judging process by the England Golf and Fuller’s which results in the four regional finalists being invited to an awards lunch in one of Fuller’s central London pubs.
Fuller’s London Pride also support the annual ‘Winter Warmer’ and 'Summer Swing' medal competition for clubs, with the winner of the competition at each club receiving a prize from the brewery.
Mark Roberts, Brands Manager for Fuller’s said, “We are delighted to be continuing our work with England Golf for a further four years. Golf is a sport that continues to grow in popularity, and we are pleased to be able to support one of the most important elements of the game, its grassroots.
“We also believe there is a great fit between ourselves and England Golf with many golfers around the country choosing to enjoy a pint of London Pride, the UK’s number one selling premium ale, to help round off a great game of golf.”
John Petrie, Chief Executive of England Golf added, “The investment by Fuller’s is a great boost to the organisation and the game itself. Club members are truly the lifeblood of our game. Fuller’s recognises this and their support over the last five years on initiatives such as The Gold Medal and Club Steward of the Year has been outstanding and truly appreciated. I think the two organisations complement each other in their efforts to invest in our clubs and their members. We look forward to working alongside Fuller’s for what we hope is four more fruitful years.”
England Golf Chief Executive
Following the merger of the English Golf Union and the English Women’s Golf Association on the 1st January 2012 it has been announced that John Petrie has been appointed as the Chief Executive of the new organisation, England Golf.
The decision to appoint John Petrie, who was previously Chief Executive of the English Golf Union, in the role was ratified at the first meeting of the new Board of England Golf earlier this month.
Talking of his appointment he said, “It is both an honour and a challenge to have been appointed as Chief Executive of England Golf. I am under no illusions that there is a huge task ahead bringing two successful companies together to make one even more successful company. I am fortunate to have excellent staff from both the EGU and EWGA to help make this happen as well as the support of the Board and the many volunteers that support the governance of golf.”
Nigel Evans has also been nominated by the Board to be the first Chairman of England Golf. This position will need to be approved at England Golf’s Annual General Meeting to be held on 15th February 2012. Previously the English Golf Union’s Chairman, Nigel was elected in February 2009 and plans to chair the new England Golf Board for a further two years.
County Golf Partnerships
Over the summer months, County Golf Partnerships (CGPs) throughout England have been working hard to provide a range of taster sessions and structured coaching opportunities enabling 36,083 participants to ‘Get into Golf’, the highest number of participants within a six-month period since the start of the Whole Sport Plan in 2009.
The England Golf Partnership (EGP) has developed the CGP network to support grass roots golf and through the Whole Sport Plan for Golf funded by Sport England, provide a significant level of investment to the partnerships.
All 32 CGPs in England have been running structured programmes and activities with particular focus on participants aged 16 years plus, of which 19,938 have been involved within the last six months. With all CGPs working closely with PGA professionals, the best available structured coaching ensures new and existing players can enjoy their golf experience.
Teaming up with their golf clubs, the CGPs have targeted specific market groups, using a wide range of promotional methods and working with other sports and County Sports Partnerships.
For example, the Surrey CGP has been particularly successful with its ‘GolfMIX’ programme, which has utilised Twitter to help promote its inclusive activities, resulting in 3,307 adults attending sessions of which 722 have attended further coaching and 225 have joined a golf club to date.
The Norfolk CGP has continued to run its rolling ‘Get Back Into’ project supported by the County Sports Partnership, offering eight-week structured sessions for adults. Combined with community promotional work and taster sessions, this programme provides the ideal follow-on for adults looking to take up the sport.
Across the CGPs, some 9,791 people aged 16 years plus have been involved in regular participation as a direct result of this work since April 2011 and this figure is expected to increase. Encouragingly, 926 new memberships have been reported by CGPs over the last six months, providing a financial return to golf clubs of £637,134 (based on an average annual membership fee of £688.05).
Richard Flint, EGU/EWGA Golf Development Manager, said: “CGPs are fundamental to grass roots development and are highly significant in helping the EGP in its objective to ‘Grow the Game’. County Development Officers are a fantastic resource for county golf, developing relationships with facilities which in turn are providing some fantastic results.
“CGPs are delivering some innovative, structured programmes which are not only bringing new people into the game but are also retaining existing players to help keep the sport healthy at all levels.”
The EGP has emphasised the importance of growing 16 plus participation, which has resulted in a 94% increase in overall participation in CGP activities compared with the equivalent period in 2010 and a 274% increase in 16 plus activity levels. Since April 2009, CGPs have introduced 65,478 participants to the game of golf of which 33,598 have been aged 16 years plus.
The CGP Impact Report April 2011 to September 2011 detailing examples of recruitment and retention activities can be downloaded from the EGU website, www.englishgolfunion.org/cgps
EGU Newsletter
England Golf merger approved
The merger of the English Golf Union (EGU) and the English Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) was approved on 16th November 2011 at simultaneous general meetings of both organisations.
The merger will come into effect on 1st January 2012 and will create England Golf, one national governing body to represent all amateur golfers in England.
Have you checked your insurance cover?
Given the recent high-profile case in the media which saw a golfer awarded almost £400,000 in damages following an unfortunate incident on the course, the EGU is encouraging clubs and golfers to be fully aware of the importance of having adequate insurance in place.
Carrick Neill is the EGU's approved insurance broker and is also endorsed by the Scottish Golf Union and the Ladies' Golf Union. They currently place the insurance for hundreds of clubs and thousands of individual golfers and have in the past 12 months settled over 1,200 golf related claims.
SkyCaddie Course 2012 Update Programme
SkyCaddie, the official rangefinder of the EGU, are preparing for their 2012 course update programme and are asking clubs if you have, or are planning to make any significant changes to your course for the coming season.
SkyCaddie’s ground truth mapping equipment has been enhanced enabling their team to be more efficient and effective when conducting future course updates which will ensure Skycaddie owners have accurate and up to date course information.
If you are making changes to your course please click on this link, http://englishgolfunion.msgfocus.com/c/1aJyYA6W1nd4ro8mNMG8x, complete the relevant information and submit. SkyCaddie will resume the update programme in February 2012 in order to have as many courses updated as possible in time for the start of the season.
EGU Handicap and Benefits Card
Have you told your men’s section about the EGU Handicap & Benefits card yet?
They need to visit http://englishgolfunion.msgfocus.com/c/1aJzvRaQRK4H9EeZbT9RO, click 'Sign up to YourEGU' and follow the simple instructions. Once registration is complete they will be able to see their handicap online and receive a personalised card displaying their lifetime ID which can be used as confirmation of their handicap when playing at other English clubs – no more requests for handicap certificates!
They also have access to weekly prize draws and many discounts and benefits including up to £150 holiday vouchers and a great subscription discount from Golf Monthly.
The card and benefits are free for your members and your club.
If you need more information or would like us to contact your members on your behalf to ensure they receive their card just call our members team on 01526 354500.
Development News
National Skills - supported by FootJoy
Details and dates of the 2012 National Skills Challenge, supported by FootJoy, will be available on the Skills Challenge website
http://englishgolfunion.msgfocus.com/c/1aJA38eLI6WjRUlBzZDB5
shortly. Golf clubs looking to run Challenge events can plan their activites in advance to ensure they can input their player's scores onto the online leaderboards. If your golf club would like to register and take part in this national coaching activity that includes free resources visit the National Skills website
http://englishgolfunion.msgfocus.com/c/1aJB7GmBoQFziqyQmcB3D.
Club Coaching Grant
234 GolfMark clubs have now applied for the £500 Club Coaching Grant and are offering activities for adult beginners to get into golf.
Clubs using this funding have seen increased membership, green fees and driving range revenue as a result of their activities. Any GolfMark facilities interested in accessing this funding can do so at www.englishgolfunion.org/coachinggrant
http://englishgolfunion.msgfocus.com/c/1aJBEXqwfdxc0GFsKj4MU.
News
County Golf Partnerships introduce highest recorded number of participants
http://englishgolfunion.msgfocus.com/c/1aJCceur5AoOIWM58pywb
British Boys Champion Greenberry in England Training Squad
http://englishgolfunion.msgfocus.com/c/1aJCJvylVXgrrcSHww2fs
EGU recommends clubs and golfers to check their insurance cover
http://englishgolfunion.msgfocus.com/c/1aJDgMCgMk849sZjUCvYJ
Volunteer of the Year 2012
The England Golf Partnership Golf Volunteer Awards are designed to recognise, celebrate and reward outstanding volunteers in golf.
Nominations are now being invited to identify those who contribute their time and effort throughout the sport of golf in this country, within golf clubs, schools, county golf partnerships, training schemes and many other programmes.
Nominations close on 16th December 2011, so if you know of someone then complete the online questionnaire
http://englishgolfunion.msgfocus.com/c/1aJDO3GbCGZGRJ5WiIZI0
as soon as possible.
Winners will be presented with their awards at a ceremony to be held at The National Golf Centre, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, 21st February 2012.
Important information about EGU Communications
From the 1st of January 2012, the English Golf Union (EGU) will be changing the way it communicates its news and press releases with all clubs and counties.
The EGU will shortly be contacting you to ask what information you wish to receive. This will allow your club to choose whether to receive press and information relevant to your region or county, as well as national information affecting the game itself.
We encourage you to complete this request to ensure we send you only the news you wish to receive in the future.
If you would rather not receive future emails from us, click here http://englishgolfunion.msgfocus.com/u/165CM7dV1rSQ to unsubscribe.
Please note this is an automatic operation.
The English Golf Union Ltd is a Company limited by Guarantee registered in England.
Registered Office: The National Golf Centre, The Broadway, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, LN10 6PU.
Registered number: 5564108.
Lincolnshire seal Boys County title for first time
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26th August 2011 Lincolnshire are the Boys County Champions for 2011. Their 7-2 win over Surrey in the final series at Luffenham Heath gave them their first ever victory in the event and the first by a Midland county for two decades (picture © Tom Ward). They went into the final day a point behind Surrey knowing they had to win to take the title while Surrey, seeking their fourth title in five years, only required a tie. But the Midland region winners were fast out of the blocks, dropping just a point in the morning foursomes before winning five of the six afternoon singles. “I would never have believed it,” said Lincolnshire captain Geoff Smith. "We are delighted because we were the underdogs against such counties as Surrey and Yorkshire. I think our odds were 50-1. But we’ve come through. We lost Nathan Kimsey to GB&I for the Jacques Leglise Trophy but everyone of the team were magnificent. “Although we went into the singles with a two point lead I was excited, but I have played golf long enough to know these things can turn around. I was hopeful but not all together confident. “But we’ve done it with a 13 year old and two 15 year olds which shows we can produce some good talent in this part of the country.” Surrey coach Hugh Marr was complimentary to Lincolnshire. “I don’t think we played our best over the last two days but all credit to Lincolnshire,” he said. “They holed key putts when they needed to as well as a number of up-and-downs. They did what they had to do and while we are disappointed, they were ruthless.” Having lost the morning foursomes 2-1, Surrey were expected to stage a big revival in the singles but it didn’t really happen. When Patrick Kelly beat his international team-mate Greg Payne 3 and 2 and Jordan Wrisdale overcame Bradley Thomas 2 and 1, Lincolnshire needed only one more victory for the title. But it wasn’t easy. Liam Cox won a point for Surrey by beating Ben Anderson 3 and 2 while Lincolnshire’s safe-looking leads in the other three games gradually began to diminish. All three came to the 18th green with the Midlander’s 1-up in each and they all halved the hole to maintain their advantage. To cap a wonderful three days of golf, Callum MacKay, Surrey’s top scorer, and 13-year-old Billy Spooner produced eagle-threes on 18 to round off Lincolnshire’s 7-2 success. In the battle for third place, Yorkshire came out on top 6½ – 2½ over Devon after dropping just half a point in the foursomes. While not showing their best form, the northern champions won three and halved two of the singles. Matthew Fitzpatrick, Luke Robinson and Joseph Dean secured wins over Dan Rosevear, Ryan Pope and James Urquhart respectively to ensure their victory. Matt Wells 5 and 4 win over Jamie Harrison was Devon’s lone success while the other two games finished all square. In the end Lincolnshire took the title, Surrey were runners-up, Yorkshire third and Devon fourth. Team results and individual scoring. |
Merger Proposal
A vote to merge The English Golf Union and English Women’s Golf Association into a single National Governing Body for golf will take place on Wednesday 16th November 2011. Golf clubs affiliated to The English Golf Union are being informed of the merger proposal.
A letter from the Chairmen of the English Golf Union and English Women’s Golf Association, highlights the main benefits of merger and the consequences of not merging. The full proposal document which includes: the proposal, the business case, Articles of Association & Rules, financial statements and frequently asked questions, is also available to download from this email.
A copy of the chairmen's letter has also been posted to your club and both documents are available to read and download on the English Golf Union website.
The voting procedures for The English Golf Union and English Women’s Golf Association are different, but both will result in the County Unions and County Associations casting their votes on 16th November. The English Women’s Golf Association has club representatives and is required to consult with them. Consequently, the women’s section in your club will receive a proposal document for them to consider. The English Golf Union does not have club representatives and the decision on whether to support the merger proposal or not will be taken by the County Unions. Some County Union’s have indicated they intend to consult their clubs although they are not obliged to. It is however entirely appropriate for golf clubs to express their views to their County Union should they so wish and, given the importance of the merger proposal to golf and especially to golf clubs, your views are highly significant.
Should you have any questions on the proposal or on the process for merger please feel free to raise them by email to: info@englishgolfunion.org
Download letter from EGU and EWGA Chairmen
Download merger proposal
England International Tom Lewis wins Silver Medal
17th July 2011
England international Tom Lewis (Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire) has won the Silver Medal for The Open Championship's best amateur player finishing three shots ahead of Peter Uihlein from the USA.
The 20 year old former British and English Boys Champion (photo copyright Tom Ward), found himself at the top of the leaderboard at the end of the first round alongside Denmark's Thomas Bjorn after returning a five under par score. He then continued to battle through some of the worst weather conditions seen at an Open Championship with rounds of 74, 76 and 74 to record a nine over par total of 289.
Tom has been a member of the mainstream coaching programme of the English Golf Union (EGU) since 2008 when he was selected to join the under 18 Squad before moving to the elite England squad in 2009 and 2010. He has represented his country in the 2010 Eisenhower Trophy, European Mens Team Championships and the Home Internationals and as an England Boy International at the 2009 World Boys Team Championship and in 2008 and 2009 at the European Boys Team Championship and Boys Home Internationals.
John Petrie, EGU Chief Executive said, "We are all really proud of Tom and his achievements this week at the Open. We hope that the experiences and coaching he has received through the EGU has played a positive part in developing and encouraging a golfer who clearly has a great career ahead of him."
This was not the first professional experience for Tom. In December 2010, as part of an EGU squad sent to Australia for warm weather training, Tom starred in two professional events again winning the silver medal as leading amateur in the New South Wales Open, in which he lost a playoff for the title, and the Australian Open.
The last English amateur to win the Silver Medal was Chris Wood, another 'graduate' of the EGU's coaching programme, who came joint fifth in 2008 at Royal Birkdale
EDITORS NOTES
The English Golf Union Limited (EGU) has served as the governing body of male amateur golf in England since it was founded in 1924.
Responsible for the training of England’s top amateur golfers the EGU organises all the major English amateur championships.
Based at the National Golf Centre in Woodhall Spa, the EGU is one of the largest sports governing bodies in England looking after the interests of over 1,900 golf clubs and 670,000 club members. The EGU also works to increase the continued interest and participation in golf through their golf development initiative ‘Get into Golf’.
For a comprehensive list of English Golf Clubs and Golf Courses in England visit EGU GolfCentral.
The EGU is a founding member of The England Golf Partnership (EGP) along with the English Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) and the PGA and is supported by the Golf Foundation and Sport England. The Whole Sport Plan for golf identifies how the EGP will achieve its vision of becoming ‘The Leading Golf Nation in the World by 2020’ from grass roots right through to elite level.
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