Since 1924, golf has been played in England with national governing bodies looking after the national interest of the sport. During this time the country, society, traditions, and the game have changed significantly

In particular, the two main governing bodies in England for men’s and women’s amateur golf merged in 2012, forming England Golf.

This was an important way forward for golf governance and another step in the right direction for golfing unity.

Learn more about our history and key moments below.

Formation of England Golf

At 11.30 am on Wednesday 13th February 1924, 25 volunteer attendees from 16 counties, representing 459 in England (plus the Chairman of the R&A Championship Committee) and all holding high office, gathered at this hotel in The Lancaster Suite, with one item on the agenda. To consider the forming of an English Golf Union for men’s amateur golf.

The Chair of the meeting, Mr J Rayner Batty from Lancashire set the scene for the subject and confirmed that the R&A would be supportive, sending Mr Norman Boase, the Chair of the Championship Committee, to attend and report back.

Mr E.W. Holderness of Surrey Golf Union proposed that an English Golf Union be formed by its Counties. Mr Geofrey Tweedale of Cheshire seconded the proposition. After much discussion from the room and a supportive statement from Mr Boase of the R&A, the proposal to form The English Golf Union by its Counties was carried. This new body would consist of the County Unions of England and the Midlands Golf Union. The English Golf Union would recognise the R&A as the ruling body for the game. The fee for membership was to be set at 5 Guineas per County Union.

Mr Rayner Batty of Lancashire was elected to be the first President of The English Golf Union & the first English Championship was arranged at Royal Liverpool Golf Club for 1925. Representatives from Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire were appointed to finalise the drafts of the Constitution.

All present at the meeting were unpaid volunteers and that tradition amongst County Officers is still the case today. Our game from its very beginnings exists because of our wonderful volunteers.

You can see below the layout of the room on the day of our formation.