The merger of the English Golf Union (EGU) and the English Women's Golf Association (EWGA) has been approved today after meetings of both organisations.
Today's merger will come into effect on 1 January 2012 and will create England Golf, one national governing body to represent all amateur golfers in England.
The merger proposal was approved by 86% of the voting members of the EGU, meeting at its headquarters in Woodhall Spa; and by 100% of the voting members of the EWGA, meeting at the National Motor Cycle Museum at Solihull. Both organisations had to approve the proposal by a majority of at least 75% for it to be successful.
The decision was immediately hailed as a triumph for golf and a vital step forward for the game. Nigel Evans, chairman EGU and Sylvia Perrins, interim chairman EWGA said: "This merger is in the best interests of golf.
"England Golf will speak with one voice and send out the powerful, modern message that golf is a game for all, for men and women, boys and girls.
The merger vote followed a long period of consultation and preparation, which began in 2009 when a steering group was formed of members of both organisations.
Following lengthy discussions, and the involvement of ten working groups, the proposal was produced and ratified by the Boards of both organisations before being put to the voting members.
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