Legal Updates

DAVID LESTER ADVISED ON NEW NATIONAL GOLF ORGANISATION

11/01/2012

A deal to merge England’s two golf organisations for amateur players has been concluded with the assistance of David Lester, one of the firm’s commercial lawyers.
The merger of the English Golf Union and the English Women's Golf Association came into effect this month (January 1) to create England Golf, one national governing body to represent all amateur players.
David Lester, joint senior partner at Blythe Liggins, who represented the women’s organisation, said negotiations had taken two years and were finally agreed at simultaneous general meetings of both organisations late last year.
Mr Lester, whose role included the protection of the interests within the new organisation of the women players – who are outnumbered six to one by men –, said the first sole president of England Golf would be a woman. After that, the president would be supported by the immediate past president and the president-elect, one of whom would always be a woman. In addition, there will be a ratio of three men to two women on the board.
The proposal, which needed a 75 per cent majority amongst voting members, was approved by 86 per cent of the EGU and 100 per cent of the EWGA.
"Members of both organisations clearly saw that this merger would in the best interests of golf and gave their overwhelming support,” said Mr Lester. “They are saying that a unified organisation, which promotes both the men's and women's game and will promote a more modern image and be more attractive to both new golfers and commercial partners, will help to grow the game and will mean the organisation can be more cost-effective."
Blythe Liggins’ sports law unit represents a number of sporting individuals and organisations, from local clubs such as Warwick Boat Club and Leamington Cricket Club to international rugby players, county cricketers, Olympic horsemen and disabled riders.

CAPTION: David Lester