R&A and Ladies' Golf Union merger close after agreement signed

A merger between the Ladies' Golf Union and The R&A moved a step closer after a heads of agreement was signed by the St Andrews-based organisations.

The LGU organises a series of prestigious championships and international matches including the Ricoh Women's British Open - taking place this week at Woburn - and the Curtis Cup won by Great Britain and Ireland at Dun Laoghaire in June. 

Trish Wilson, the chairman of the LGU, said: "Winning the Curtis Cup showed the women's elite amateur game is in a strong position and we look forward to building on this at all levels as we move forward with The R&A."

Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A, added: "We are delighted to complete the heads of agreement for the merger of the two organisations.

"The merger will be an opportunity to further develop the world class events run by the LGU and to give even greater support to women's and girls' golf.

"We are looking forward to building on the many synergies between the LGU and The R&A for the benefit of the game." 

The potential merger was initially announced in February 2015 and discussions took place between the respective boards and the LGU's shareholders - England Golf, Scottish Golf, the Golf Union of Wales and the Irish Ladies Golf Union - who gave their unanimous support to the proposal.

Plans have been agreed to integrate the staff from both organisations and to implement the agreed governance structure.

The LGU's championships and international matches will run as normal this year with the existing LGU team managing those events.

The business operations of the LGU will be integrated with The R&A group of companies with effect from 1 January 2017.