The English Golf Union (EGU) and the Somerset Golf Union (SGU)

It is not uncommon to hear the question around golf clubs, What is the EGU and what do they and the SGU do for me, and why do I have to pay a subscription to them? Well both organisations together form the governing body for the Amateur game of Men's golf in England. The English Golf Union was formed by the Counties in 1924, but most counties predate that event by some years. Somerset for instance was created by the clubs in Somerset in 1907.

The main objective of both organisations is to promote and further the interests of the game of golf in England and to represent the game, its members and golf clubs nationally. Over the years and in many cases through the introduction of legislation by successive governments, the responsibilities of the National body have grown and grown, and what was once a very small group of willing volunteers managing the game has now become a professionally run and administered organisation dealing on your behalf with the complex issues and responsibilities that today's environment brings on us all.

You could compare the EGU to the FA, the RFU, the ECB, and in fact most of administrators across all sports, all of whom represent their sport and manage its development. Golf, as is the case with many other sports, has developed side by side with a separate organisation controlling women's golf (English Women's Golf Association), and separate body governing the rules by which the game is played- The R & A. (The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews). There are discussions currently being undertaken to unite the men's and women's governing bodies to present a more sensitive and structured future for the game.

It is impossible in a few short sentences to describe in detail all the activities which your subscription (£5.00 to the EGU and £7.00 to the SGU) pays for so for that may we point you to their websites which are

www.englishgolfunion.org for the EGU

and www.somersetgolfunion.co.uk for Somerset

This is a summary of the major services undertaken on your behalf,

• The EGU represents and acts on behalf of over 1,900 golf clubs, and 700,000 golf club members
• Advice to clubs on Handicaps, Rules, Course rating (SSS), Ecology, Waste and Water management, Marketing, Junior Sections, Recruitment, Coaching and Child Protection.
• Recognition and accreditation to clubs who excel in providing facilities to Juniors through GolfMark.
• The EGU lobbies government to ensure golf clubs are treated fairly in any new legislation.
• A Central Database of handicaps for clubs - reducing administration for clubs 
• The County Golf Partnerships provide funding for development initiatives such as Taster sessions for newcomers, The National Skills Challenge, Get into Golf Initiatives, and some Free Coaching for beginners.
• Provide a golfing guide to clubs throughout the country. www.egugolfcentral.co.uk as a one stop shop for clubs to offer their facilities to visitors. Golfers can search for membership availability, enter thousands of Open Competitions, find great green fee special offers and book tee times online.
• We identify Champions and potential world beaters through a series of National and County Championships at all ages- for teams as well as individuals- from the club golfer to the elite player and provide them with the opportunity to excel at their chosen sport.
• Nowadays there exists a seamless transition from the Amateur game to the Professional ranks for those that have the talent thanks to the work of the EGU and County coaches.
• The EGU particularly actively searches for sponsors on a National scale to invest in our game and to promote its development.
• As a member of the England Golf Partnership, the EGU along with EWGA and the PGA receive and manage funding provided to golf by Sport England and this spend is predominately aimed at increasing participation in the game of golf and improving access to golf clubs for potential members of all talents and backgrounds.

It might interest you to know a few facts that relate to Somerset specifically,

• There are 31 clubs that make up the Somerset Golf Union.
• Collectively the clubs have approx 12,000 male members.
• 14 clubs have been in existence for more than.100 years.
• We annually hold 27 events that attract nearly 2000 players from our 31 clubs.
• We run 5 County teams- Senior's, Men's, Under 18's, Under 16's and Under 14's.
• Specific specialised coaching is provided to over 150 talented players of varying potential ability through the PGA registered Pro's at our clubs.
• We actively participate in the Somerset County Golf Partnership.
• We employ two people on a part time basis, namely Our Secretary and his Assistant.

The Executive Committee comprises 20 Volunteers who between them cover the management of our events in a highly disciplined and professional manner. These volunteers are ALL nominated by the clubs, and it is the clubs through their membership of the Union that decide on the future direction the Union will take.

Our Annual General Meeting is in February each year and we are always on the lookout for club members who want to become involved. Burnham and Berrow Golf club is our spiritual home, and has been for many years and the Union are greatly appreciative of all the support we receive from them.

If this has whetted your appetite and you wish to know more then please feel free to get in touch via the web site, or by e-mail, post or phone to any official. Your questions and enquiries are always welcome.

We hope that this short expose and your subsequent research of the web sites will convince you that your combined subscription of less than 25p a week is not excessive and is being well spent.