Governing bodies in Scotland and Wales put pressure on GUI

The amateur governing body in Wales, Wales Golf is giving all its’ member clubs a five month affiliation fee holiday in a move that could cost it up to a £250,000. This announcement is more generous than the one already in place in Scotland, whereby clubs can apply for up to 25% of their affiliation fee for 2020/21 to be refunded. Wales Golf chief executive Richard Dixon said “We would like to congratulate golf clubs in Wales who have re-opened safely and within the Welsh government guidelines”. Dixon explained that although “it is a relatively small gesture to each club, one we thought important to make to show everyone is in this together trying to ensure golf in Wales comes out of this period in the strongest possible state”.

Wales Golf, have not only used some of their cash reserves to facilitate the payment holiday. They have also according to Dixon saved money on “performance and championships”. In Ireland since the lockdown started in March four clubs have closed their doors for good. With a severely limited competitive programme in place for elite amateurs this year it remains to be seen what other obvious savings the GUI will have made. All of these savings at least need to be passed back to affiliated clubs as soon as possible. Governing bodies in Scotland and Wales have stepped up to the plate to help their clubs isn’t it time the GUI did likewise?