The merger between the Ladies' Golf Union and the R&A has moved closer with the signing of a heads of agreement by the two St Andrews-based organisations.
The LGU organises a series of prestigious championships and international matches including the Ricoh Women's British Open, taking place this week at Woburn, and the Curtis Cup.
"Winning the Curtis Cup (this year) showed that the women's elite amateur game is in a strong position and we look forward to building on this at all levels as we move forward with The R&A," LGU chairman Trish Wilson said.
R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said he was "delighted" to advance the process.
"The merger will be an opportunity to further develop the world-class events run by the LGU and to give even greater support to women's and girls' golf," he said.
"We are looking forward to building on the many synergies between the LGU and the R&A for the benefit of the game."
The potential merger between the LGU and The R&A was initially announced in February 2015.
Discussions have since taken place between the respective boards and the LGU’s shareholders – England Golf, Scottish Golf, the Golf Union of Wales and the Irish Ladies Golf Union – who gave their unanimous support to the proposal.
Plans have been agreed to integrate the staff from both organisations and implement the agreed governance structure.
The LGU's championships and international matches will run as normal this year with the existing LGU team managing those events.
The business operations of the LGU will be integrated with the R&A group of companies from January 1, 2017.