Cornwall Golf Union
Unification of the CGU with the Cornwall Ladies County Golf Association
An open letter to the membership of the Cornwall Golf Union from County Vice President Alan Creber
I would like to inform you of ongoing discussions between the Cornwall Golf Union (CGU) and the Cornwall Ladies County Golf Association (CLCGA) concerning unification of the two bodies. I should make it clear these are preliminary discussions and there has not been, and cannot be, any agreement such unification will take place without the approval of the affiliated membership.
The CGU Executive is in favour of unification with the CLCGA and is keen to continue those discussions.
So, what is unification? – Simply put, it is the bringing together of the Men’s Union and the Ladies’ Association under one umbrella covering everything golf and for the benefit of all golfers irrespective of age and gender.
The CLCGA club delegates voted resoundingly last year in response to the question as to whether they felt unification was right for the association. Some concerns were expressed at that point, and these are to be addressed during ongoing discussion.
On the national front up until 2012 golf had 2 governing bodies , the English Women’s Golf Association and for the men the English Golf Union. Sport England, who provide funding to many sporting organisations, made it quite clear they wanted one governing body in each sport to speak for both men and women and one body to receive the grants given on an annual basis. Sport England gives out some £250 million of National Lottery and Public Money every year to sport. Golf is currently receiving almost £8 million over 5 years from 2022.
Hence in 2012 a merger (of the EWGA and the EGU) took place and England Golf was formed to represent amateur golf in England. A subsequent drive by the national governing body saw counties being encouraged to follow suit and unify. Over the period since some 8 county organisations have unified and the drive for more continues with an understanding with the caveat there may be those who do not feel unification is appropriate or necessary.
Our neighbours Devon became a unified county some years ago as did Wiltshire. Dorset are in the early stages of moving towards the same. On 5th March 2024 one of England’s largest counties Lancashire announced unification had taken place.
The CGU Executive believes unification is essential for the future of the sport in the county. It is the right direction of travel, it makes economic sense, it is potentially better for all golfers in terms of a one-stop shop and it offers better investment for clubs and individuals. The process also falls fully in line with the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy which the National Governing Body and we as a county endorse.
The process of unification will take time and at this point we cannot give an indication as to how long this might take. What I can assure though is any unification will take place when the time is right, and all issues have successfully been resolved and more importantly approved by the membership.
Part of successful unification is effective and timely communications to all interested parties – this is the first communication, and it really is just to let you know that things are happening, and to invite you to give us your feedback, raise any issues or concerns and ask any questions you may have.
So, if you have any concerns, or questions, please get in touch through the County Secretary whose details are shown below.
I can assure you we will keep you informed on progress and further, that before a final vote takes place, sometime in the future, you will all be totally aware of what unification will mean to you, your club and your members.
Yours sincerely
Alan Creber
Vice President, Cornwall Golf Union
Created by intelligentgolf version 10.1.2.
