The move towards One Golf continues to gain momentum with the voting members of Golf Queensland giving their unanimous support.
One Golf will effectively bring all participating state and territory governing bodies under the Golf Australia umbrella, freeing up funding and resources to tackle the sport’s biggest issues.
Golf Australia Chairman John Hopkins said that with Tasmania and the Northern Territory having already formally joined GA, the Queensland result was a “major milestone and a very positive result for the governance of golf in Australia”.
“It is also a very significant step forward to achieving a more streamlined, cost-effective national model of golf administration,” Hopkins said.
“We were very happy with the result in Queensland, particularly to gain unanimous support right across the state.
“The fact that we had such great support from districts and clubs in Queensland gives us a good level of confidence as we continue the dialogue elsewhere.
“We’re very happy with how the process is moving in South Australia and presentations to clubs and districts in Victoria have also been well received.”
Hopkins paid credit to Golf Queensland chairman David Brett and the GQ board for their contributions in ensuring One Golf will result in a positive outcome for Queensland.
“David and his board deserve a huge vote of thanks for their input into the new structure and their feedback has always been helpful and constructive.”
The consultation process will continue in Victoria over the next two months and it is hoped to have One Golf implemented in five states and territories (Tas, NT, SA, Qld and Vic) by the end of August.
Golf Australia chief executive Stephen Pitt said the ultimate plan was to have One Golf operating in every jurisdiction in Australia and for golf to have the most efficient, streamlined and unified governance structure in Australian sport.
“There are a number of sports considering their structure and many are looking at what we are doing with great interest,” Pitt said.
“Over the next decade we will see an enormous change in the structure of Australian sport I believe, and it would be great for golf to be at the forefront of this revolution, rather than being slow to adapt and risk being left behind.”
Independent analysis of the One Golf model conducted by KPMG, Bastion EBA and Gemba is available at www.golf.org.au/one-golf where a summary of its principles is also listed.