NEWS
golferpacific.co.nz
Merger at the top table By Martin Davidson
A
century of tradition is set to end with the two principle golf organisations in this country ever closer to holding hands on a permanent basis. New Zealand Golf and the PGA of New Zealand have signalled a joint partnership is not far off after the two signed a heads of agreement to explore the establishment of a combined governance entity for the sport. That followed close to two years of discussion centred on a memorandum of understanding after the two parties agreed to work together with the goal of creating a long-term vision and plan for golf in New Zealand. The two organisations have operated under the one roof in their offices in Auckland for the past few years, which has clearly helped in keeping the lines of communication open. That followed a period when the relationship between the two could politely be described as frosty at best. They have until this point tended their own gardens; NZ Golf developing amateur talent and overseeing the districts and clubs, while the PGA concentrated on developing teaching professionals and representing the interests of a small number of
playing professionals. However, the many challenges confronting the game have succeeded in bringing the two together, with the seemingly inevitable outcome of a merged entity, which officials think will be in place by next year with the appointment of an initial transition board containing representatives from each party. NZG chief executive Dean Murphy described the latest development as a landmark moment for the game. ``This is a very significant achievement in the administrations of New Zealand Golf and the PGA of New Zealand,” he said. ``The proposed merger with the PGA of New Zealand has been some time in the making, with some hard work from both parties. We believe this alignment of our organisations and their capabilities would have a very positive impact on both creating a secure future for the game here in New Zealand, in our clubs and communities, and would also increase our ability to compete on the international stage. ``We both know that we are operating in a challenging time for golf and we are looking to meet those challenges head on. It makes great sense to combine our capabilities and develop a unified approach where a `Whole of Golf’ vision for the game is being achieved.” PGA chief executive Duncan Simpson
echoed that sentiment. ``When we reviewed the PGA’s strategic plan over two years ago it became clear that the key issues and challenges were all about the game of golf,” Simpson said. ``It was obvious that these needed to be tackled under a combined strategy and vision and this was the initial thrust of our discussions with New Zealand Golf and the resulting memorandum of understanding.” A principal outcome to be explored was ``alternative organisational and governance structures where appropriate to enhance and accelerate achievement of the agreed common vision and plan”. The existing entities, (New Zealand Golf and the PGA of New Zealand), have now agreed that a combined and single entity would be in the best interests of all participants in golf to provide a secure pathway for the future of golf in New Zealand. In announcing their intention, the two organisations listed the main challenges facing the game as:-
• an ageing and declining club membership base; • a growing casual golf-playing population that has low engagement levels with the existing governing bodies and golf clubs; • low junior membership numbers; • financial health concerns and vulnerable long-term futures for many clubs; • low numbers of New Zealand golfers competing and winning on the world stage; • a lack of alignment of golf organisations leading to unco-ordinated strategies, objectives and actions. The core benefits of creating one combined entity included:• a single leadership voice for golf, thereby providing clarity of direction for all participants and stakeholders; • a single structure that provides operational synergies and efficiencies; • a seamless pathway for players, coaches, participants and administrators.
This is a very significant achievement in the administrations of New Zealand Golf and the PGA of New Zealand...
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