A UNANIMOUS vote in favour of restructuring the Ladies’ Golf Union and adopting new operational rules has paved the way for a more modern and effective approach to managing the organisation.

The annual meeting in Cardiff heard that these important changes would be implemented immediately.

Chief executive Shona Malcolm explained that in practice the changes would not impact on the LGU’s functions, but that the new business model leaves volunteer councillors better protected and the LGU itself in a stronger position to engage in commercial activities and contracts. A new chairman will be appointed in due course, and in a further change from past practice, will serve for three years rather one.

Retiring LGU chairman Brigid McCaw reported on the year’s championships and matches, making specific reference to the Ladies’ European Tour victories in 2009 of the past two British amateur champions, Azahara Munoz and Anna Nordqvist. “These tour victories by our past champions are fitting testament to the ever increasing quality and importance of our amateur championship”, she said.