New Scottish Golf Body Signs Major Partner

Scottish Golf has teed off its first day by securing a sponsorship deal with Aberdeen Asset Management, with the organisation also unveiling a new look.

The new body, a merger between Scottish Golf United (SGU) and the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association (SLGA), was launched at St Andrews in the company of a number of Scotland’s leading tour professionals and amateurs.

The new partnership with Aberdeen Asset Management was unveiled at West Sands beach, with 607 balloons released -representing the number of affiliated clubs in Scotland. New chair, Eleanor Cannon and Aberdeen Asset Management chief executive, Martin Gilbert was also in attendance.

Aberdeen Asset Management’s latest commitment highlights the improved commercial opportunities for Scottish Golf with the investment group continuing to back Scotland’s amateur golfers through a new two year agreement.

The partnership between Scottish Golf and Aberdeen Asset Management will also see the players wearing the sponsors’ logo on their national apparel and bags through to the end of 2017.

Scottish Golf has also launched a Twitter campaign #WholeInOne, to represent the new chapter for the game.

“This is an historic and special day for Scottish Golf,” said new chair, Eleanor Cannon. “I believe that the coming together of the two governing bodies will be a tremendous, positive step for the game of golf in Scotland.

“It will open up lots of opportunities in terms of driving membership and growing the game from a family perspective, where people are perceived to be players and members, and not identified by their gender all the time.

“I also believe more funding opportunities will be available to us in the public and private sector, given the values of the game, the family sport it is and the skills and values it instils in young and old alike. We all have the opportunity to work as a new organisation to take golf in Scotland forward into an exciting new era and the launch of our new brand is just the start.”

Martin Gilbert, chief executive, Aberdeen Asset Management, added: “Aberdeen Asset Management is delighted to be the first sponsor of the new Scottish Golf organisation and continue our investment in the country’s leading amateur golfers.

“The partnership is very important to us and we hope our support can continue to deliver success for Scotland’s national golf teams, building on their recent achievements at home and internationally.

“Having a single governing body for Scottish golf was a major factor in extending our sponsorship and we are proud to play a part in this very special day for the sport in Scotland.”