Annual Review 2018 Scottish Golf Annual Review 2018 Scottish Golf Annual Review

2018 Scottish Golf Annual Review 2018 SCOTTISH GOLF ANNUAL REVIEW 2018 SCOTTISH GOLF ANNUAL REVIEW with more than 60% of the membership voting in favour of a more modest increase to the Per Capita Fee, enabled Scottish Golf to commit to a series of measures designed to reinvigorate the game. A new platform is already being tested that will not only connect the game in an unprecedented manner in Scotland, providing new marketing and sales opportunities for clubs, but also provide the flexibility to introduce the many thousands of pay-per-play golfers whose integration into the golfing family has been long overdue. We have provided a commitment to ring-fence funds for the development of the game among our clubs as part of an overarching strategy to increase participation, especially among women and young people, to support club development “ at all levels, and to increase commercial revenue. A goal without The platform is the central pillar of this strategy and the key to a plan is just delivering an enhanced service for all golfers now and in the future. a wish. ” The current membership is the lifeblood of our game and we are grateful to all who have shared their views on a range of Welcome important subjects. That passion is the heart of golf and I am CEO Introduction certain we are already on a stronger footing. A goal without a plan is just a wish. I am pleased to report that It is not only an important leap into the digital world but, as from the Chair This year promises to be a hugely exciting one. As well as the key strategic objective for all of us at Scottish Golf – to grow many other industries have discovered, essential to the survival watching the progress of Hannah Darling, our Scottish Girls the game at all levels in its spiritual home – is underpinned by and evolution of our game to younger generations, for whom Champion for two consecutive years, and Hannah McCook, What a difference a year makes. a robust plan endorsed and, in no small measure, facilitated by membership must be both affordable and flexible. who embarks on her first season on the Access Tour, we also our members in the past year. Twelve months ago, we prepared for our Annual General have the cream of women’s golf converging on Gleneagles in It is the means by which we must radically reposition ourselves Meeting with a degree of collective trepidation and uncertainty. September for the Solheim Cup. In what has been an eventful first year in post, I have travelled from the stuffy (and in many cases inaccurate) perceptions countrywide and listened to the impassioned views of some of golf clubs and embrace a more open, inclusive, data-driven Trepidation because after laying bare the brutal reality for the Captained by our inspirational Catriona Matthew, we are of the hundreds of thousands of golfers who collectively are future. Perception, though, is the reality for those who have game in the Home of Golf at our inaugural National Conference working with Event Scotland, Visit Scotland and other relevant custodians of its future. The views may have differed on a either turned away from golf or not been compelled to take it in December 2017, the membership had a stark choice between stakeholders to ensure the Solheim Cup is enjoyed by golf fans range of subjects that affect the game at local and national up in the first place. maintaining the status quo – of year-on-year membership and curious newcomers alike: an event we hope will inspire level, amateur and professional, but one common theme was decline and consequent budget cuts – or embrace change that young girls to take up the game. resounding across the spectrum of players, administrators and Our business objectives are reliant on generating new income would not be without its own challenges and fears. streams and the platform not only opens up an untapped army The men’s game is also thriving and we have been proud to volunteers: radical change is required to address the well-known of casual golfers currently spending their money via third-party Uncertainty because the governing body had been in a parallel watch Grant Forrest, Liam Johnston, Bob MacIntyre and David trends in membership and demography. sites but a more diverse database will enable us to identify and recruitment process to replace the departed Chief Executive, Law winning their European Tour cards this year; the latter It is incumbent on me and my senior team not only to listen but attract sponsors in a more strategic way: enabling authentic while at the same time seeking to protect the game’s financial winning his first Tour event recently at the ISPS Handa Vic Open to act to implement the changes needed. The General Meeting, and meaningful engagement and value. sustainability in the short term via the proposed increase in the in Australia. as the Chair alluded to in her welcome, represented a turning thorny issue of the Per Capita Fee. The added incentive for the pay-per-play golfer will be It is vital that we have a flourishing professional scene to inspire point for the game: the divisive and protracted discussions the ability to achieve a handicap. It is a subject that has I can now reflect on that period as a watershed moment our younger players and equally important that we at Scottish on an increase to the Per Capita Fee brought to an end that inevitably created discussion and debate but the facts remain for Scottish Golf, even in its relative infancy since the Golf work in partnerships with Professionals, Coaches, Area’s, enables Scottish Golf the financial means to deliver on a incontestable: our membership numbers have declined year- amalgamation in 2015, and for the game as a whole. At our Counties and Clubs to provide a productive pathway. To that number of key priorities including on its promise to provide on-year. We have lost circa 50,000 in the last 10 years and the inaugural meeting, the Board of Directors each pledged their end, we have been working closer than ever with the Paul Lawrie a platform to rejuvenate and even revolutionise the game for trend shows no sign of stopping. Unless we take the radical legacy for golf in Scotland was to leave the game in a stronger Foundation and Stephen Gallagher Foundation to players and clubs alike. steps discussed. place by the end of their tenure. The journey thus far has been reinforce relationships. If 2018 can be summarised as a year of consultation, and of tough at times but with the commitment and shared purpose of Why can’t we have an amateur championships with the best I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who strengthening relations with our members, 2019 will be the year the team and everyone that represents Scottish Golf, including amateur players in the country, regardless of their membership contributes so much to our golfing community, from those of implementation. our wider stakeholders, we head into the new season with much status? Why can’t we welcome pay-per-play golfers and make involved at Club, County, Area and National level to our enthusiasm and optimism for the future. The digital system is already at testing phase and we were them a part of the future growth of the game? The reality is sponsors and partners, as well as those representing Scotland delighted that more than 300 clubs had expressed interest if we don’t act now, someone else with less altruistic motives This past year, we have engaged with all constituent parts of on the international stage. in participating in a trial within weeks of the second National than us will and we will have lost our one chance to arrest the the game during our regional forums and sought a response to Conference. I would like to thank our Chief Commercial Officer, decades-long decline. the burning question: do we continue on the same path and risk Best wishes to you all for the season ahead and thank you for Iain Forsyth, for not only outlining the myriad benefits to clubs a potentially terminal decline in our game, or can we accept your ongoing support. at the conference but for overseeing the We have an opportunity to make golf a hub of thriving the plan to make the game more accessible, more financially Yours aye, implementation process. local communities for all, to connect in ways we have never independent and more welcoming and attractive to connected before, and ensure younger players – especially future generations. Eleanor Cannon It is our intention that the system will be rolled-out to as many girls – are encouraged to participate, not feel intimidated Chair clubs as possible by the end of this year, providing a more or unwelcome. Leadership requires tough and at times unpalatable decisions sophisticated offering for existing members but, also providing to be made for the collective good and in that regard, I have us with a way to integrate the tens of thousands of pay-per- been absolutely thrilled by the courage shown by the Area’s play golfers into the game in a more meaningful, engaging and Counties that came together and requisitioned a General and enduring way. Meeting in October 2018. A positive outcome to that meeting, 01 WELCOME FROM THE CHAIR CEO INTRODUCTION 02 2018 SCOTTISH GOLF ANNUAL REVIEW 2018 SCOTTISH GOLF ANNUAL REVIEW Income Membership Working closely with the Areas, Counties Financial Affiliated clubs in Scotland contribute 56% of our annual income, The continued decline of club membership continues to present and Clubs we continue to encourage and through a ‘per capita’ subscription collected as part of challenges for club and governing body alike and in conjunction provide support in improving equality, Summary membership fees.

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