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GOLF IRELAND A SINGLE GOVERNING BODY FOR GOLF IN IRELAND A Proposal from the Golfing Union of Ireland (GUI) and the Irish Ladies Golf Union (ILGU)
GOLF IRELAND
Members of the Discussion Group (DG):
Billy Black, GUI Past President
(DG member: November 2015 – November 2016)
Frank Bowen, GUI Past President
Teresa Byrne, ILGU Finance Director
Pat Finn, GUI CEO
Sinead Heraty, ILGU CEO
Brege McCarrick, ILGU Past Chair
Iggy O’Muircheartaigh, GUI Chair
(DG member: August 2016 – October 2017)
John Power, GUI Independent Board Member
(DG member: Joined November 2017)
Ethel Ruddock, ILGU Ulster District Executive
(DG member: Joined June 2016)
Kevin Stevens, GUI Ulster Branch Executive Officer
(DG member: Joined November 2016)
External Consultant & Facilitator:
Jane Williams, Sia Partners
Project Manager:
Sarah Crowe
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GOLF IRELAND
To our Fellow Golfers
We are delighted to present here our proposal to form Golf
Ireland.
The Discussion Group came together in November 2015,
with a brief from the two Unions to set out what a new
governing body for golf in Ireland might look like.
Since then we have been listening to the views of club
golfers all around Ireland, to representatives of clubs and to
officials and staff members of both Unions. We have also looked
at how golf is administered in other countries and we sought
input from representatives of other sporting bodies in Ireland.
We were also very mindful of the fact that Ireland is the only
country left in the world to have two single gender governing
bodies for golf.
All of the conversations, submissions and presentations
we have been part of have helped us to form a very clear view
John Moloughney Vonnie Noonan
of how we should shape our new governing body so that it
GUI, President ILGU, President
can deliver the best possible outcome for the future of golf
in Ireland. We now firmly believe that the establishment of
Golf Ireland gives us the best chance of securing a bright and
prosperous future for golf.
In this proposal, we set out in some detail how Golf Ireland
will work in its organisational and regional structures, financial
arrangements, legal structure, governance and how it will
extend the level of services available to clubs. We also set out
our proposals on how Golf Ireland will operate, including
how it will promote and develop the game for golfers of all
levels of ability, streamline the handicapping and course rating
systems, set up a new and integrated calendar of events, recruit
new volunteers and recognise better the invaluable work that
volunteers do all around Ireland.
We would like to thank everyone in the golf community and
beyond for their frank and open engagement with this process
over the past few years. It has been an immensely enjoyable and
rewarding experience, and we have tried to capture the spirit of Iggy O’Muircheartaigh Clodagh Hopkins
those contributions in this proposal, as much as possible. We GUI, Chair ILGU, Chair
would also like to thank our fellow Discussion Group members
for their incisive observations and for contributing to the
excellent collaborative atmosphere in which we worked.
It remains for us to formally ask you to give your support to
the proposed establishment of Golf Ireland.
1
Acknowledgements
Championships: Aidan Marsden (Chair), Sandra Barnett, Rules: Tom Donnelly (Chair), Norman Bennett, Ger Henry,
Linda Bradshaw, Barry Doyle, Paula Reynolds, Mark Wehrly Brian Hutchinson, Barbara O’Keeffe, Anne O’Sullivan
Game Development: Anne Brett (Chair), Tracey Farrell, Lucia Finance: Teresa Byrne (Chair), Frank Bowen, Sinead Heraty,
Farrell, Richard Gormley, Diarmuid Logue, Cathal McConn, Michael Malone, Rollo McClure
Teresa Thompson
Future Club Formation: Donard MacSweeney (Chair),
Club Services: Nick Agate (Chair), Gordon Campbell, Pauline Bailie, Grainne Clancy, Ger Ennis, Neil Kilgallon,
Agnes Curley, Ben Headon, Beth Mason, Sean Moran, Barry Ramsay, Lesley Williams
Goretti O’Connor
Volunteerism: Terry Crothers (Chair), Anne Brett, Derek Ervine,
High Performance: Alasdair Gibson (Chair), James Corcoran, Rosemary Hayes, Michael Heaney, Jane Joyce, Henry Lee.
David Kearney, Cian Hoban, Clodagh Hopkins, Neil Manchip,
The GUI and the ILGU would also like to thank all affiliate
Denise McCarthy
Golf Clubs and members, Union Officials and Staff who
Communications: Sarah Crowe, Alan Kelly, contributed to the consultation and feedback process. The
Carla Reynolds input received was invaluable and enabled us to continue
developing and testing emerging ideas. Also, a special thanks
Course Rating/ Handicapping: Patricia Jordan (Chair),
to the following for their knowledge and input in a range
Jerome Clancy, Tom Jones, Jim Mooney, Nora Murphy,
of areas pertinent to the project: Amanda Bennett (Fair Play
Carla Reynolds
Enterprises), Tom Craig (Scottish Golf Union), Alan Kirk (Legal
Organisational Structure: Frank Bowen, Pat Finn and NI), Michael Doyle (Arthur Cox) and Frank O’Riordan (Legal).
Sinead Heraty The ILGU and the GUI are also grateful to Deloitte (Accounting
and Tax) who offered their ongoing services throughout the
project, and to Matheson (Legal) for their expert legal view.
2
GOLF IRELAND
Contents
4. M aking the Transition to Golf Ireland 17
1. The Case for Golf Ireland 4 Creating the Structure 17
Why we need Golf Ireland 4 Creating the Organisation 17
The Idea of Golf Ireland and how it Developed 4
Consultation Process 5 A. H
istorical Financial Schedules 18
The ‘Dream’: what we want in a National Governing Body 5 GUI Income and Expenditure, 2016 and 2017 18
The Strategy for Golf Ireland 6 ILGU Income and Expenditure, 2016 and 2017 18
The Benefits that Golf Ireland will bring 7 CGI Income and Expenditure, 2016 and 2017 19
Honouring the Heritage of ILGU and GUI 7 GUI, ILGU and CGI: Combined Income and
Expenditure 2016 and 2017 19
2. The Model for Golf Ireland 8 Membership Numbers 20
Structure and Culture of Golf Ireland 8 Historical Balance Sheets 20
Golf Ireland and the Clubs 9
B. P
residential Rotation in Golf Ireland 21
The Governance of Golf Ireland 10
The office of President of Golf Ireland 21
Club Voting in Golf Ireland 10
Eight-year Cycle 21
Financial Management of Golf Ireland 11
Honorary Life Members 21
Projected Income and Expenditure of Golf Ireland 11
Communications 13
C. The Board of Golf Ireland 22
Composition of the Board 22
3. Operations of Golf Ireland 14 Rotation of Regional Board members 22
Volunteers 14 GenderBalance on the Board 22
Developing the Game
Handicapping and Course Rating
14
14
D. Golf Ireland Staffing Structure 23
Championships 15 E. G
olf Ireland Regional Executives 23
Rules 15 Elections to the Regional Executives 24
High Performance 15 Support teams for Regional Zones 24
Ensuring Environmental Sustainability 15 Rotation of the Regional Executives 24
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GOLF IRELAND
1. The Case for Golf Ireland
Why we need Golf Ireland needs of modern Ireland and there is a substantial risk to the
popularity of the sport. Change is needed at national, local and
With our strong roots that go back to the end of the 19th club level to meet the challenges facing our sport.
century, golf in Ireland has so much to celebrate and be proud A single governing body, Golf Ireland, is an essential first
of. We have a long sporting and social tradition that has become step.
a part of life in every corner of Ireland. Our courses are among
the finest and most challenging in the world, and we have all
been inspired by the exploits of some of our best Irish golfers The Idea of Golf Ireland
and their victories in the world’s major competitions.
But as well as celebrating the great successes of golf in
and how it Developed
Ireland, we must continually search for ways to bring the The idea of bringing Ireland’s two golf Unions together to
game forward, to attract new members and to reinvigorate our establish a single governing body for golf in Ireland began a
clubs. The success of Irish golfers – male and female – on the number of years ago on the initiative of the Boards of both
international stage can make it easy to believe that the game Unions. In November 2015, the detailed work of thinking this
of golf on the island of Ireland is in good shape. Certainly, the through was given to a Discussion Group made up of four
elite player programmes run by the GUI and the ILGU over members of each union, with an independent facilitator and
many years have been very successful. However, when we look a project manager. The Discussion Group also commissioned
elsewhere at the game in Ireland, we see that there are many assistance from volunteers with relevant expertise, who worked
questions we need to ask. collaboratively in working groups (which included Union
officials and club members) to develop proposals on specific
Meeting the needs of modern Ireland
elements of the proposed new body.
As we move deeper into the 21st century, we need a Good, collaborative working relationships were established
governing body that can extend its focus beyond rules and among members of the Discussion Group, whose main aim was
competitions and look more widely at regulation, promotion to allow time for the necessary insights and for understanding
and development of the game, as well as meeting public to emerge and grow into a strong, coherent and well-considered
expectations in relation to all aspects of modern life – in proposal.
particular, diversity, gender and inclusivity.
Our current structure of two Unions – one for men and one Learning from the experience of other countries and
for women – struggles to meet the demands and expectations other sports
of modern society and is confusing for members and affiliate The Discussion Group considered the experience of other
clubs. In practical terms, we know that future funding from golfing organisations, principally in the UK, and it also sought
Sport Northern Ireland will be contingent upon golf having input from other sporting bodies in Ireland on their structures
a mixed gender governance structure, in line with Sport UK and the development of their single governing body.
norms. In the medium-term, there may be similar issues with
Sport Ireland and with sponsors. Wide consultation with the golfing community
From the beginning, the Discussion Group also sought the
Facing up to declining participation
views of the wider golfing community on the development
Those of us who play golf know what a wonderful, healthy of the proposed new body. Those consulted included clubs,
outdoor activity it is – a ‘game for life’ for body and mind. We branch/district officials, Union staff and focus groups of golfers.
also know what a great social outlet it is, where we can meet The feedback received made a considerable contribution to the
and compete, no matter what our stage in life. The reality Discussion Group’s vision of what the new body needs to look
is, however, that club membership peaked in 2004/2005 at like.
around 220,000 and has declined steadily since, with a drop Particular emphasis was given to ensuring that all key
of approximately 40,000 in overall memberships. At the same stakeholders – including clubs, golfers, volunteers and funders
time the average age of participants has continued to rise, as – were kept well informed on the progress of the project. The
the participation of under 50s and under 18s has declined. One Boards of the two Unions were also briefed regularly by their
third of golf clubs in Ireland have no junior girls, and 5% have members of the Discussion Group.
no junior boys.
It is easy to attribute the decline in membership to the Moving towards a proposal
economic crisis, but the decline had already started by 2008, Early in the process, the Discussion Group developed a
and studies here and in other developed golf countries framework that identified the key elements of a National
have found that time availability is the main cause of falling Governing Body and how it might be established. For each
participation. Modern time-poor two-earner families are no of these elements, a work stream was defined and assigned to
longer attracted to golf and are turning to other sports in search a working group, each of which produced a report and set of
of healthy, outdoor activities. Golf as a game is not meeting the
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GOLF IRELAND
recommendations on their assigned element and presented and inevitable. There is both anxiety and excitement about
these to the Discussion Group. Among the key elements its potential to address falling membership numbers that
reviewed in this way were: golf clubs have suffered over the last number of years. It also
• The future legal and regulatory structure of a new governing revealed concerns that some people have that certain aspects
body. of golf that are important to them might be lost – for example,
• The basis for the Statement of Strategy to guide the first five competitions that have a strong resonance among golfers.
years of the new body. There is also hope that Golf Ireland can address issues such
as behaviours towards some categories of golfers, governance of
• Club formation and the nature of their affiliation to the new
handicapping cheating and the public perception of golf below
body.
the elite level. Because of the significance of the structure to
• The role of volunteers and their development. golfers and clubs, we decided to research attitudes to different
• The delivery of a world class Rules system, in keeping with aspects of this with a large sample of clubs. A workshop was
the high standards set by the two Unions. held in Westmanstown Golf Club at which issues of structure
• A modern and efficient Championships and inter-club were teased out, with outcomes showing:
structure for all golfers. • An openness to change away from the current structures.
• Maintenance of a High Performance system that produces • A recognition that neither of the existing structures in the
players who can continue to compete on the world stage. two Unions is perfect.
• Developing the game and catering more for a range of • An identity attachment to competition names.
abilities, while still focusing on club service provision. • A willingness to consider proposals that will support a strong
• The current Handicapping and Course Rating Systems, and future for golf.
the journey to be made towards a single Handicapping and The consultation process heard from a wide spectrum of
Course Rating System based on best-known international opinions and views. Every club was given an opportunity to
practice. participate, and all staff and Union officials were similarly
In tandem with these developments, consultations included. Although there was significant variance in the views
continued to take place with clubs, officials, golfers and the two expressed on a few core topics, overall there is a large middle
Unions on the emerging proposal. ground on all areas.
Where we are now: decision time
The current proposal to establish Golf Ireland as the new
The ‘Dream’: what we want in
governing body for golf on the island of Ireland summarises the
position at which the Boards of both Unions have arrived.
a National Governing Body
The proposal is now being presented to the affiliate clubs In consultation with clubs, officials and the Boards of both
of both Unions through a series of communications briefing Unions, a ‘dream’ was developed of what the new national
sessions. governing body for golf could be. Golf Ireland will commit
Affiliate clubs of the ILGU and the GUI will be asked to vote to the following, while always ensuring transparent and
on a series of resolutions to legally constitute Golf Ireland at accountable practices throughout the organisation.
separately convened EGMs of the GUI and the ILGU on 17th
November 2018. In its administrative structures, the new national
In effect, there will be a series of contingent resolutions to governing body…
formally adopt the proposal to form Golf Ireland, to establish it as • Will be one body for all golfers.
a company limited by guarantee, and to provide for the eventual • Will carry out all of the work currently done by GUI, ILGU
winding up of the ILGU, the GUI and CGI* (Confederation of Golf and CGI – including handicapping and course ratings,
in Ireland), following a transition period, led by a Transitions Team. organising championships and inter-club events, high
performance and international matches, providing support to
*The CGI was established in 2013 by the GUI, ILGU and the PGA (Irish Region) clubs, managing finance and game development.
to respond to the challenges facing the game. The CGI compliments the work of the
• Will represent golf in the wider world and secure a greater
unions as well as providing a combined approach to certain key strategic areas in the
profile and access to funding for golf.
future development of golf in Ireland.
• Will recruit people with appropriate skills, with due regard
for diversity and gender balance.
Consultation Process • Will be open, transparent, accountable and democratic in its
governance structure.
Detailed consultation has been undertaken at points during
the process, to obtain the views of clubs, Union officials, staff
In its commitment to equality, the new national
members and focus groups of golfers. The initial consultation
started with a blank sheet, to obtain the ideas of all participants, governing body…
without bias or influence, on what an ideal governing body • Will lead by example, adopting the Governance Code: A Code of
should be. In later stages, the views of clubs and branch/district Practice for Good Governance of Community, Voluntary and Charitable
officials on key elements of Golf Ireland were obtained through Organisations in Ireland (taking cognisance of the UK Code) and
briefing and feedback groups. ensuring that equality is a core value within Golf Ireland.
The extensive consultation process used well-attested • Will be open and welcoming to all potential golfers,
research tools and techniques to obtain accurate feedback and particularly encouraging juniors, who will be protected,
to allow difficult questions to be explored. Because of this it welcomed and treated with respect.
has provided the process with robust insight and input, and it
• Will seek to ensure that clubs welcome golfers irrespective
has also had a strong and positive influence on the design and
of gender, sexual orientation, age, or any of the grounds for
development of the governing body.
discrimination prohibited in legislation.
The consultation process has shown that clubs and many
officials see the establishment of Golf Ireland as both necessary • Will focus strongly on club golfers and seek to redress the
perception that golf is too taken-up with elite players.
5
GOLF IRELAND
• Will seek to ensure that clubs treat all members fairly and Delivering on the strategy: high-level goals
that rights and entitlements are determined by membership To deliver on this strategy, the following are the high-level
categories and not by gender. goals of Golf Ireland for the first five years of its existence.
• Will work to remove barriers to participation, including the Clearly the successful achievement of these goals will require
perceived expense of the game and the lack of facilities for the support and co-operation of clubs. Golf Ireland will educate
people with disability. and support clubs wanting to modernise their governance
structures whilst accepting that clubs are autonomous bodies
In its commitment to develop the game, the new and no change will therefore be imposed.
national governing body…
• Will moderate the emphasis on competition and encourage
1. Establish Golf Ireland, taking over the roles and
more fun in golf.
responsibilities of its predecessors, the ILGU, the GUI
• Will work with clubs to develop policies and programmes to and the CGI, smoothly and efficiently, stepping into
support ongoing participation among younger ‘time-poor’ the role as the unified voice of golf, speaking for all
adults, as well as among youths and juveniles. golfers equally.
In its work with affiliate clubs, the new national 2. Provide competitive opportunities for golfers of all
governing body… abilities at regional, national and international level.
• Will be a governing body that is connected from top to
bottom, acting always in the interests of its affiliate clubs and 3. Support clubs through enhanced and more extensive
golfers. support programmes, tailored to the needs of different
• Will communicate well with members clearly, accurately, types of clubs, delivered at regional level by dedicated
consistently and authoritatively. and skilled volunteers and staff.
4. Govern the game so that all golfers can be certain of
The Strategy for Golf Ireland fairness.
To make the dream of a fully-functioning, modern and
efficient national governing body for golf a reality, Golf Ireland 5. Promote the game of golf, attracting funding so that
will take the following text as its Statement of Strategy for its the game’s fun and health benefits, as well as its
first five years: competitive position, are seen and attract increasing
numbers of participants.
Golf Ireland will successfully establish itself as the 6. Grow and develop the game so that it has more players
National Governing Body for golf on the island of who are members of clubs, is successful at all levels and
Ireland. It will do this by building on the 125 years of is seen as an attractive game for life that is growing,
tradition and development of its two predecessors, the vibrant and respected.
GUI and the ILGU – the two oldest golfing unions in the
world.
• It will administer golf in Ireland so that golf will be Golf Ireland will seek to meet the above goals in cooperation
played fairly and in keeping with the rules. with clubs and golfers by:
• Putting in place a Board-led structure based on a clearly
• It will provide development services to its affiliate
defined and developed governance process where ultimate
clubs to support them in providing the facilities and
authority resides in the affiliate clubs.
the sense of belonging that golf provides to its players
and supporters. • Operating from a central headquarters with, as part of its
governance process, devolved authority and functions to four
• It will set out a description of the new organisation’s
regions. The functions in each region will be supported by a
desired culture and how it will manifest itself to the
trained and properly resourced staff and volunteer structure
golfing community.
which will allow for an appropriate level of local democracy.
• It will run attractive championships for golfers of all
• Promoting equality, openness and accessibility within golf in
abilities, with the support of its clubs and volunteers.
Ireland.
• It will promote the game so that its attractiveness as
• Recognising that the long-term health of golf as a sport
a game for life is widely understood. It will support
is very dependent on strong and vibrant clubs operating
players of all abilities to reach their potential through
not just in urban areas but right across the country. It
its relationship with the PGA and through its own
will therefore develop a range of club-centred services at
development programmes.
national and regional level to support clubs in all aspects of
• It will grow and develop the game to secure its long- their operation. A clear road map of how to access all such
term future and standing. services will be available to clubs, as well as a process by
• It will be the voice of golf at national and international which individual golfers would be made aware of the role and
level, ensuring that Irish golf is resourced and function of Golf Ireland.
perceived appropriately. • Identifying the issues and perceptions that have hindered
• It will do all of this through its skilled and dedicated the progress of the game and developing programmes to
volunteers and staff, with the resources provided to address these. Golf is unique in the opportunity it offers to
it by clubs and funding organisations, in a fair and older adults to enjoy the mental and physical benefits of
equitable way, as a modern and efficient organisation participation in outdoor sport.
that golfers deserve.
6
GOLF IRELAND
The Benefits that Golf Better … for attracting capital funding
While the ILGU and GUI have enjoyed good relationships
Ireland will bring with government funding agencies and international golfing
bodies, golf in Ireland has never been represented by a single
With the establishment of Golf Ireland, the game of golf in
voice, resulting in sub optimal support for golf clubs in sports
Ireland will have an all-inclusive governing body for the first
capital funding. Golf Ireland will be positioned to speak on
time.
behalf of golf in Ireland and is committed to lobbying on behalf
No single entity has ever been truly responsible for the
of golf to improve these levels of support.
game of golf in Ireland. GUI and ILGU were established in the
early 1890s for the purpose of organising championships and Better… for attracting commercial partners
international matches and developing the game. Society has
Golf Ireland will also be much more attractive to
changed hugely in the past 125 years and it is important for golf
commercial partners and sponsors. A single governing body for
to have a modern governing body that can respond better to the
men and women is easier to deal with and fits much better with
needs of affiliate clubs today.
the aims and values of companies today.
Better… for the development and promotion of golf Better… for equality
Having a single governing body will make it considerably
Countries with a single governing body for golf tend to have
easier for golf to project the clear and consistent message that
a much healthier ratio of female to male members, reflecting
golf is healthy, challenging and fun; and that it can be enjoyed
the environment of equality promoted by the governing body.
by men and women of all ages; by boys and girls; and by elite
For example, in Germany, women account for approximately
players, social players, average players and beginners.
37% of all golfers, in the Scandinavian countries it is 28% and in
Golf Ireland will promote golf as an integrated family-
Ireland we are at 22%. Golf Ireland is committed to driving up
oriented sport with wide appeal, and one that can compete
participation and membership of women to European norms.
successfully to be one of Ireland’s most popular leisure
activities. Better… for the image of the game
Better… for clubs Achieving media coverage for amateur golf is difficult,
particularly nationally, and too often the media focus on the
Golf Ireland will be better for clubs on many fronts.
historical gender difference rather than positive aspects of the
game. Golf Ireland will actively and confidently promote the
• Clubs will have their voices heard as active members of the
positive aspects and challenge negative stereotyping of the
governing body for golf in Ireland. With the current GUI
game when it occurs.
and ILGU structures, clubs do not have the opportunity
to provide input on matters such as golf development,
promotion and club support. Honouring the Heritage
• Club support will be a core function of Golf Ireland.
This will include support in the areas of governance, of ILGU and GUI
business planning, membership growth and retention, As we move forward into a bright new future with Golf
communications, marketing and so on... Ireland, it is appropriate that we pause and reflect on the long
• Clubs will have the option to retain their current structures years of achievement of the ILGU and the GUI. They are the
or to move to a single club structure for male and female epitome of Irish golf as we have known it, and the rich golfing
members. Golf Ireland will work with clubs to develop a heritage that we all enjoy is a tribute to the men and women
range of efficient management structures to ensure the future who have steered the two Unions over the last 125 years.
success of the game at club level. We propose that we honour the rich heritage that the two
Unions have left us by preserving the golf museum in their
honour at the Golf Ireland Headquarters at Carton House. This
is a proposal that we sincerely hope the golf community will
heartily endorse.
In addition, the names of the Irish Ladies Golf Union
and the Golfing Union of Ireland will be enshrined in the
Memorandum and Articles of Association of Golf Ireland and
the organisations’ names and logos will remain in place on the
many existing trophies and pennants that adorn the walls of
the clubhouses throughout Ireland.
7
GOLF IRELAND
2. The Model for Golf Ireland
Structure and Culture of Golf Ireland organisational structure. We formed the view that the ability
to support clubs should be paramount in determining the
organisational structure of Golf Ireland.
Legal structure The proposed structure is centred on efficient and effective
Golf Ireland will be incorporated as a company limited by central and regional administrative structures, together with
guarantee (CLG). This is an ideal structure for a sporting or not- agreed funding for regions and subdivision into zones for
for-profit organisation as it provides legal certainty around the competition purposes.
company’s structure and responsibilities while also providing Three of the four regions (Leinster, Munster and Ulster)
enough flexibility for a large and disparate organisation to work currently have good or adequate office accommodation that can
efficiently. transfer into Golf Ireland as regional headquarters. In the case
A Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association of Connacht, we will consider proposals for the purchase or
will set out the formal legal structure of the new organisation long-term lease of a suitable premises.
and will be supported by a set of stand-alone regulations and
conditions of competition. The culture of Golf Ireland
Following its formation, Golf Ireland will adopt the Simply put, culture is ‘how we do things in this organisation.’
Governance Code: a Code of Practice for Good Governance of Community, It is intangible and often not consciously recognised, but it does
Voluntary and Charitable Organisations in Ireland and will take frame the values, behaviours, decision making, efficiency and
cognisance of the UK Code. effectiveness of every organisation.
As we tried to define our ‘dream’ of what a new governing
Organisational and regional structure body would look like, we took the opportunity to consult
For administrative purposes, Golf Ireland will consist of widely to identify the cultural attributes that it would be
four regions, based on the four provinces. Each region may be important to retain, and what we could safely leave behind. Golf
subdivided into two, four or eight zones, depending on the Ireland will bring the best cultural elements of the two existing
density of clubs in the region and the distances between them. organisations together while also integrating new ideas and new
The idea behind the zones is to help reduce travel distances ways of doing things that can help enhance the attractiveness of
for inter-club matches. In the first instance, the zones will be golf into the future.
recommended by the Transitions Team in consultation with the Examples of some of the cultural traits that Golf Ireland
GUI and ILGU volunteers from within each region. Thereafter, will hope to foster include evenness of regard for all golfers
each Regional Executive Committee may amend the number and clear and good quality communications within golf and
and/or boundaries of zones, subject to approval from the Board within the wider society. The elements of Golf Ireland’s
of Golf Ireland. culture will emerge as it gets to work – for example, in a strong
Historically in Ireland, most sporting organisations are culture of service to the clubs, in a clear agenda of equality
subdivided by province and people feel an emotional bond to and inclusiveness, in the efficiency of its operations and in the
their province. This was clearly expressed by a number of those openness of its governance practices.
who attended first and second rounds of consultation, and also The strategic plan for Golf Ireland will set out a description
by those who responded to an Omnibus survey, which was of the new organisation’s desired culture and how it will
completed by Union and golf club officials in late 2017. manifest itself to the golfing community.
The proposed organisational structure is based on extensive
consultation with officials, staff and affiliate club members
and also on the work of a working group dedicated solely to
8GOLF IRELAND
Golf Ireland and the Clubs received from the consultation process throughout 2016 and
2017.
Essentially, the services that Golf Ireland will provide
How Golf Ireland will work with clubs to clubs are the services that the clubs told us were most
The club is the key building block on which golf is important to them – particularly support on membership issues,
developed and which establishes and maintains the relationship governance, equality issues and competitions/handicapping.
with golfers. The current range of services provided by CGI will be retained,
Clubs will be at the core of Golf Ireland’s emerging strategy. expanded and delivered through the regional structure. As
There are 395 GUI fee paying clubs and 374 ILGU fee paying currently with CGI, skilled staff will be based in the regions,
clubs, as per the end of 2017. All clubs currently affiliated to the and delivery of services will help ensure the strengthening of
two unions will automatically be affiliated to Golf Ireland on its relationships between Golf Ireland and the clubs.
establishment date. Golf Ireland will also support clubs by promoting the
Golf Ireland recognises that the affiliate clubs are game of golf more widely and by positioning the game more
individually constituted bodies and is committed to working positively in the changing social and economic context,
in partnership with clubs to develop the game of golf and to emphasising particularly the benefits of golf as a healthy
strengthen clubs. outdoor activity that people of all ages and all skill levels can
Golf Ireland will work closely and support clubs in a number enjoy.
of ways: Golf Ireland will also explore ways of making golf more
attractive to the estimated 40,000 golfers who are no longer
Support in operational matters members of affiliate clubs.
• Leading on the development and implementation of
handicapping. Principles for clubs in Golf Ireland
• Providing systems supports with key suppliers and with Successful vibrant clubs are central to the growth of the
systems for managing membership, timesheets, competitions game of golf, and our affiliate clubs will be the foundation of
and handicapping. Golf Ireland.
For the future, we want to increase the number of golfers
• Developing policies on matters such as prizes.
playing the game, and the way to do that is for golf to become
more engaging with, and attractive to, younger players. This will
Training support
involve Golf Ireland working to promote the game at a national
• Developing induction training materials for new committee level, but it will also require clubs to become more innovative
members to increase the effectiveness of club committees. across the range of their activities at local level. Golf Ireland
• Providing training to Vice Captains, Secretaries, and to supports the promotion of the following fourteen principles
Handicap and Competition officers. that clubs can adopt as part of their strategy to grow and
• Developing and expanding existing training and education advance the game in their locality.
programmes for clubs.
1. Position your club in the top five sports of choice in
Support in communications and promotion of the game
your community.
• Assisting clubs to attract new adult and junior members.
• Helping clubs to become more resilient and responsive to 2. Govern your club under a modern democratic inclusive
members’ needs. management structure.
• Providing clubs with communications materials that present
a better and more positive image of the game. 3. Prioritise both adult and junior membership growth
• Supporting clubs in the development of their social media and retention to ensure the future of your club.
strategies (including training).
4. Promote the integration of golf administration,
General management support including competitions and handicapping.
• Developing a governance code for golf and governance guides
for clubs (ROI & UK (NI)). 5. Promote inclusivity and equality for all members.
• Supporting clubs to implement best management practices.
6. Ensure compliance with a range of regulatory
• Helping affiliate clubs as they transition to the new Golf
requirements.
Ireland organisational and regional structures, through basic
changes to their constitution regarding affiliation to Golf
Ireland. Current club constitutions make reference to either 7. Adopt and implement the Code of Ethics and Good
the GUI or ILGU and their conditions of affiliation and there Practice for Children’s Sport* and Golf’s Safeguarding
will be a requirement to change references from ILGU and Policy.†
GUI to Golf Ireland. Several ladies’ clubs will be moving
from a District Structure to a Provincial Structure which will 8. Be fair and consistent in implementing the CONGU
require a change to constitutions. UHS.
• Assisting affiliate clubs who wish to make the journey
towards a new club model, with best practice guidance 9. Comply with the rules of golf as approved by the R&A.
provided by Golf Ireland.
10. Work closely with Golf Ireland in implementing their
Services to clubs: a key focus for Golf Ireland policies and practices for golf clubs.
Golf Ireland’s plan for club services is based on the
recommendations of the Club Services working group, which 11. Attract members of all ages with appropriate skills to
are derived from the information gathered in the working become club volunteers.
group’s service preferences surveys, as well as on feedback
9GOLF IRELAND
implementation. The volunteer recruitment process will seek
12. Encourage high levels of participation and integration people with particular skills and competencies and will be
in club activities and competitions for all members. underpinned by Golf Ireland’s gender representation policy.
* Appointed in this context is intended to mean ‘not a current Director of the Board of
13. Provide a comprehensive competition schedule which Golf Ireland, a current member of a Regional Executive and is subject to a vote at the
meets the needs of golfers of all handicaps, genders and AGM of Golf Ireland.’
ages.
See Appendix B in relation to the presidential rotation,
14. Continuously review coaching and playing also: page 21
opportunities and assess them to ensure they are Appendix C in relation to the Board composition,
providing all members with appropriate opportunities rotation and gender balance, page 22
to participate in the game. Appendix D in relation to proposed staffing
structure, page 23
Appendix E in relation to the regional executive
*Published jointly by The Irish Sports Council and the Sports Council for Northern composition, rotation and gender balance, pages 23-24
Ireland (currently known as Sport Ireland & Sport Northern Ireland)
† Published jointly by GUI, ILGU, the PGA in Ireland and CGI
Club Voting in Golf Ireland
The Governance of Golf Ireland Most golf clubs in Ireland have separate men’s and women’s
clubs/sections, as were required by the GUI and ILGU. In the
Golf Ireland will be a company limited by guarantee with a
interest of unity, Golf Ireland has decided to treat such clubs as
membership consisting of affiliate golf clubs and honorary life
a single member club.
members situated on the island of Ireland.
This means that, in normal circumstances, the delegates
The above members will be entitled to attend general
representing the overall club will receive and cast the votes at
meetings of Golf Ireland, including the Annual General
Golf Ireland meetings.
Meeting, at which the business of the organisation will
While the voting system set out below may seem unusual,
be discussed and financial reports, rules changes and the
the GUI and ILGU feel that it is important to ensure that
appointment of a Board of Directors will be voted upon.
women’s golf has a clear voice within Golf Ireland. To achieve
The Board will be comprised of thirteen Directors, all
this, the voting system provides for a splitting of votes where
volunteers, including an appointed Chair who will serve a four-
the men and women within a club cannot reach an agreement
year term, a President (one year), a President Elect (one year), a
on what way the club should vote on a motion or in an election.
nominee from each of the regions and six other directors.
It is anticipated that the overall club will agree on how to vote
The Board will have various subcommittees including, but
in the vast majority of cases.
not limited to:
During consultation with clubs on the Golf Ireland project,
• Game Development
many club representatives expressed a desire to move towards a
• Club Support one club model, without a men’s and women’s section, where all
• Championships and Tournaments membership categories would be open to both genders. When
• High Performance a club opts to move towards such a structure, the provision to
split the vote will no longer be necessary.
• Rules of Golf and Amateur Status
• Handicapping, Venues and Fixtures Voting System
• Junior Golf Two men and two women from each affiliate club will be
• Audit and Risk/Finance entitled to attend General Meetings of Golf Ireland and of its
Regions. The minimum number of representative(s) from an
• Nominations, Governance and Compliance
affiliate club is one and this person may be male or female.
• Selection Committees
Single Gender Clubs
The strategy of Golf Ireland will be determined by the
Board and implemented with the support of volunteers by 26 clubs are solely affiliated to the GUI, as they only have
an executive team comprising a Chief Executive and the male members and five clubs are solely affiliated to the ILGU, as
heads of the core departments. This will include, but not be they only have female members. The voting system, as detailed
limited to, Game Development, Club Support, Championships in the following table will apply to all Golf Ireland affiliate
and Tournaments, High Performance, Commercial, and clubs, including single gender clubs.
Communications.
One Club
To aid the implementation of its strategy, Golf Ireland will
have four regions each of which will have a Regional Executive Golf Ireland will recognize that some clubs have already
of fourteen members, all volunteers. The Regional Manager made a journey to a one club structure, where separate men’s
will report to the CEO of Golf Ireland and on a day-to-day basis and ladies sections do not exist. For these clubs, the number of
will work closely with the Regional Executive. To ensure good votes allocated to that club will be dependent on the number of
communication, quarterly meetings will take place between club members, as per the following table.
the Chair and CEO of Golf Ireland and the Regional Managers,
Clubs with separate Men’s and Ladies’ Sections
Chairs and Secretaries of the four Regions. The four regions will
receive notes from the National Board meetings. The regions In the majority of affiliate clubs, two separate sections do
will be funded by Golf Ireland. exist – both men’s and ladies’ clubs. The voting system in the
The Golf Ireland affiliate clubs in each region will meet following table applies to all clubs, however, male and female
annually at a regional meeting to vote on notices of motion club members must endeavor to agree in advance of the AGM or
on matters relevant to their region and to elect local officials. EGM what way the club is voting. When agreement is reached
Golf Ireland will rely heavily on elected and appointed* on what way to cast the vote(s), the appointed Voting Club
volunteers to both determine its strategies and to assist in their Delegate may cast all vote(s) on behalf of the club.
10GOLF IRELAND
If the male and female club members cannot agree on Foreign exchange
how to cast their vote(s), they must inform Golf Ireland Golf Ireland will have income and expenditure in two main
at least one week in advance of the relevant meeting. Golf currencies, euro and sterling. These currencies trade openly
Ireland will organise for the club vote to be split with the and change their value relative to each other daily. With the
larger section receiving two-thirds of the vote and the smaller uncertainty of Brexit, the variations in value may become
section receiving one-third, on the stipulation that the larger greater. In general, though, there is not a significant gap
section must exceed 60% of the membership to receive two- currently between sterling income and sterling expenditure
thirds of the vote. If it does not, then the vote will be split on an annual basis. Golf Ireland will manage its operations
50/50. prudently and take its fiduciary duty seriously:
• Receipts and payments in each currency will be quantified on
an annual basis to identify any exposure and the volatility of
Number of club members Number of votes
receipts and payments.
700 5 included in the Golf Ireland Balance Sheet, significant
consideration is being given to the sale of this property. This is
being considered in the interest of maintaining just one head
office (the current GUI offices at Carton). The property is held
Financial Management of Golf Ireland at a value of €1.5m on the balance sheet of the ILGU, having
been revalued at this amount in 2012. It is expected that in the
The accounting period for Golf Ireland will be from 1
event of a sale, the value realised will be at least that of the
January to 31 December. This will apply to the head office and
current net book value of the asset. The proceeds of this sale
all of the regions.
will be used for any future move or expansion of Golf Ireland
Financial administration will be managed centrally. This
Headquarters, or for other appropriate capital expenditure.
will include management of contracts (sponsorship, property,
Savings associated with the disposal of this property are
service, procurement, staff, insurance, etc.), staff salaries and
estimated at an annual amount of €84k (Rates €16k, Insurance
pensions, processing of volunteer and staff expense claims,
€33k, Repairs, Maintenance and Cleaning €35k).
cash-flow management, banking, etc.
The Regional Treasurer will liaise closely with Golf Ireland’s
Finance Director in the preparation, management and control
of regional finances. Each region shall submit budgets on an
Projected Income and
annual basis for approval by the Board. Once regional budgets Expenditure of Golf Ireland
are agreed, the region will be provided with the necessary
financial resources to manage its own business including the Golf Ireland will be funded by the combined resources of
management of its own regional bank account. the current organisations, GUI, ILGU and CGI.
Regional accounts will be prepared for and presented to the The business model will be one that supports the objects of
regional AGMs. All regional and head office accounts will be Golf Ireland as laid out in the Memorandum of Association.
combined for the purpose of representing the national financial Golf Ireland will operate on a break-even basis. One-off costs
position, which will be presented in Euro currency. (such as legal, rebranding, staff relocation, infrastructural,
Year-end accounts will be audited by an externally appointed system changes/upgrades) associated with the establishment
of Golf Ireland are not included but will be provided for in a
auditor.
separate Transition Budget.
The following tables project the income and expenditure
of Golf Ireland for the first 12 months of it’s operation. The
2017 actual income and expenditure figures in these tables are
aggregate figures for GUI, ILGU and CGI.
11GOLF IRELAND
Income / projected income summary
Description 2017 Actual Year 1 Increase/ Notes
Golf Ireland (Decrease)
Member subscriptions €4,099,395 €3,928,278 (€171,117) Fee equalisation – See note 1 below
LGU Capitation Fee (€101,512) €101,512 2017 last applicable year
Grants €1,223,846 €1,268,176 €44,330 Increase in Sport NI funding primarily
Sponsorship €237,741 €272,500 €34,759 Team Ireland Pro Am €50k – contra in
expenses
Competitions €509,248 €510,000 €752 Fee Equalisation under review
Golfnet Cards and €226,211 €220,000 (€6,211) Reduced advertising income
Advertising
Other €94,426 €40,000 (€54,426) Interest receivable, other income
Total €6,289,355 €6,238,954 (€50,401)
NOTES
1: Annual Subscription
There will be a single annual subscription which will be paid by each Club, based on the number
of Home Club members to Golf Ireland from an agreed future date. The adult fee will be €24 for
Clubs in the Euro region and £20 for Clubs in the Sterling region. The junior fee will be €5 for
Clubs in the Euro region and £3.50 for Clubs in the Sterling region.
All of these amounts will be fixed for years 1 & 2 of Golf Ireland.
Description 2017 Actual Year 1 Increase/ Notes
Golf Ireland (Decrease)
Administration €2,427,541 €2,612,994 (€185,453) See note 2 below
Office Expenses €290,624 €310,387 (€19,763) See note 3 below
General Expenses €993,650 €908,500 €85,150 See note 4 below
Competitions €620,208 €670,000 (€49,792) Estimate based on last 2 years
International Matches etc. €476,029 €500,000 (€23,971) Estimate based on last 2 years
Coaching €762,010 €850,000 (€87,990) Estimate based on last 2 years
Depreciation €284,031 €75,019 €209,012 See note 5 below
Team Ireland €226,365 €280,000 (€53,635) Contra Sponsorship above
Total €6,080,458 €6,206,899 (€126,441)
Expenditure / projected expenditure summary
NOTES
2: Administration
Staffing synergies will be achieved in some areas but are offset by incremental staffing to provide
enhanced services to clubs as strongly articulated at consultation meetings.
Meeting/travel expense savings above relate primarily to the replacement of two separate bodies
by a single Board.
12GOLF IRELAND
3: Office expenses
Communications
Increase shown is primarily due to a re-adjustment of the
Carton Management fee. Estimated annual savings of €84k will How well Golf Ireland manages its communications will
be realised on the sale of ILGU HO at Furze Road (not included be a major determinant of how successful we are at building a
in these projections). positive and efficient organisation that serves the game of golf
in Ireland and looks after the needs of our affiliate clubs and
4: General expenses members.
Savings of €210k associated with reduced insurance, audit In serving golf better, we need to have strategies for
fees, computer support, bank charges & other one-off amounts fostering positive media coverage of golf, emphasising the
are offset by a new Marketing budget of €50k and an increased health and wider social benefits that the game brings. We will
provision of €75k for staging EGA events. also need to ensure that day-to-day communications between
Golf Ireland and its clubs and members are done in an efficient,
5: Depreciation clear and engaging manner.
Depreciation charge reduction is due to prior write off of the Among the communication practices that Golf Ireland will
Golfnet website & centralised database in 2018/2019 plus GUI implement are:
National Academy completely written off in 2017 and assuming • More direct communication with clubs and members
no substantial investment in the immediate future. through a dedicated Club Communications and Consultation
Officer.
6: Other
• Training for clubs in PR, social media and marketing.
All property will transfer to Golf Ireland at net book value
• Development of a strategic marketing plan to communicate
held on the individual Balance Sheets at 31 December 2020. All
with a non-golfing audience.
other assets and liabilities will transfer to Golf Ireland.
• Heightened use of social media, to be used for meeting
Independent Review specific objectives of Golf Ireland.
The figures have been subject to a procedure review by an • Implementation of a customer relationship management
Independent Chartered Accountant. (CRM) tool for affiliate golf clubs, to enable us to
communicate better with affiliate clubs.
• Communication of relevant and targeted updates from Golf
Ireland to affiliate clubs and members.
• The development of a communications strategy covering all
of these areas will be a key activity of Golf Ireland.
13GOLF IRELAND
3. Operations of Golf Ireland
Volunteers Addressing negative perceptions of golf
There are some negative perceptions of the game in the
Where would golf be without volunteers? Quite simply, wider community and some of these perceptions will be slow
they make so much possible. By administrating, officiating, to change. Addressing these negative perceptions will require a
scheduling, selecting teams, transporting juniors, planning, range of different initiatives at both local and national levels.
coaching, rating courses and all the many other tasks they
undertake to support clubs and competitions in the game. The Breaking down barriers to participation
GUI and ILGU have hundreds of dedicated volunteers who Understanding and breaking down the barriers to
freely give their time to ensure the day-to-day running of all of participation and club membership will be a major objective of
these different areas. Golf Ireland. International and national research has identified
The strategic and essential value of volunteers is recognised time availability as the main reason for reduced participation,
now by the ILGU and the GUI, and this ethos of volunteerism followed by cost. The same research indicates that increased
will be carried through into Golf Ireland. The planned actions participation by women and a stronger family-oriented
on this important element are based on the work done by approach are crucial to growing the game.
the working group on volunteerism and on the detailed Adolescents are the future of the game, and we need to do
consideration we have given to this aspect of the game and its considerable work to understand how we can motivate them to
importance into the future. take up the game and continue to play as they become young
Golf Ireland will continue to recruit and train volunteers adults. For whatever reason, the current structures continue to
as a core element to how it will operate, and it recognises the present barriers for some young people. There are many ways
great value that the volunteer base of both Unions will be to the that we can try to learn about young people’s experiences of
successful roll-out of Golf Ireland and its operations. It will take golf – for example, through our volunteer network and through
the following actions to ensure the continuing success of the more formal seminars and youth consultation programmes.
volunteer contribution: There are also ways that we can incentivise young people to take
• Put in place a strategy to develop a dependable volunteering up and stay with the game.
framework to underpin its endeavours.
• Implement a recruitment structure to ensure the continuing
Catering more for the range of abilities
high quality of volunteers. While we will continue to value our elite players, we also
need to place more emphasis on retaining people within the
• Develop descriptions for different kinds of volunteer roles,
game and meeting the needs of the entire population of golfers
specifying clearly what is expected of volunteers.
in Ireland, particularly at junior level.
• Develop induction training for volunteers and make this One critical factor in attracting and retaining golfers with
available to all volunteers, current and new. a range of abilities is having courses that are set up to meet
• Attract younger volunteers via a Junior Forum and develop a the full spectrum of driving distances and swing speeds. For
‘give back to golf’ programme to encourage ‘alumni’ to make example, more appropriate positioning of tees could better
a contribution. accommodate beginners, seniors, young people and people with
• Put in place a review process to ensure that the programmes disabilities.
for volunteers are working well; in particular, monitoring
Proposed centres of excellence
the implementation of the safeguarding policy, and adjusting
where needed. If established, Golf Ireland will give consideration to the
formation of centres of excellence and will ensure that the
• Recognise the contribution that volunteers make
centres can adequately service the number of members using
immediately after events where their contribution has been
the facilities in that area. Each centre could act as a focus point
key and also doing so in an annual message.
for skills development and have a strong promotional value for
golf in the region.
Developing the Game
Handicapping and Course Rating
Acknowledging the work of JGI and CGI
Golf Ireland will have a single Handicapping and Course
Over the past fourteen years there has been a strong focus Rating System, based on best international practice and
on developing the game by both Unions through the provision incorporating the World Handicap System. This system is
of specialised development wings, Junior Golf Ireland (JGI) designed to encourage as many golfers as possible to obtain
from 2004 to 2013, and the Confederation of Golf in Ireland a handicap; to enable golfers of differing abilities to play and
(CGI) from 2013 to the present. JGI, though focused specifically compete on a fair and equitable basis on any course around
on junior golf, made tremendous strides in breaking down the world; and be easy to understand and implement without
barriers for juniors within clubs; it also brought in the Junior sacrificing accuracy or integrity.
Golf Charter and Golf’s Safeguarding Policy. JGI also provided This will be overseen by a National Handicapping and
first touch experiences to over 100,000 juniors through their Tri Course Rating Committee consisting of highly experienced
Golf initiative and through School Awareness Days. people who will ensure consistency of practice and good
Through Phase One of the CGI Development Plan, CGI have communication with clubs.
provided support to 78% of clubs through their ‘Get into Golf’ This National Committee will have two sub committees:
initiatives, leaders’ programmes and by offering clubs key support 1) National Handicap Sub-Committee and 2) USGA Course
in areas such as governance, strategic planning and marketing/ Rating Sub-Committee; charged with regulating and overseeing
communications. Moving forward, the main focus of Golf Ireland Handicapping and Course Rating respectively. Under Golf
will be to continue building sustainable club structures with Ireland, Handicapping and Course Rating will be an improved
more members being recruited and retained by clubs. follow on from the system currently operating in the GUI/ILGU.
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