Sussex County Golf Ltd

Sussex Unification Consultation

At the Sussex County Golf AGM in December 2018, members voted in favour of opening discussions with the Sussex County Ladies Golf Association (SCLGA) to explore the potential unification of the two county governing bodies.

Following renewed discussions during 2025, a Unification Working Group made up of representatives from Sussex County Golf and the SCLGA has been established.

UNIFICATION WORKING GROUP

What does the working group do?

The group is reviewing how a unified structure could operate — bringing together governance, finance, competitions, and player development under one inclusive body.

Since its formation in 2025, the Sussex Golf Unification Working Group has met regularly to explore how a unified structure could best serve golfers and clubs across the county. Discussions and research have included:

Governance and Structure – Reviewing the existing constitutions of both organisations and exploring models from other counties that have successfully unified.

Legal and Financial Implications – Understanding the legal process, asset transfer, and potential cost savings; confirming that England Golf offers grant support towards legal fees.

Membership Representation – Ensuring both men’s and women’s golf remain equally represented in decision-making, with all board and committee positions open to any gender.

Operational Efficiency – Identifying areas of overlap (administration, communications, events) and where shared resources could improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Brand and Identity – Considering options for a unified name, logo, and public identity that reflect the heritage and inclusivity of golf in Sussex.

Player Pathways and Development – Reviewing current coaching, performance, and junior programmes to ensure clear and equitable opportunities from grassroots through to elite level.

Club Engagement and Communication – Developing consultation plans to engage with clubs, members, players, staff, and volunteers throughout the process.

Timeline and Transition Planning – Creating a working timeline and roadmap to acheive a targetted 1 January 2027 go date, including key milestones for consultation, voting, and implementation.

Our shared aim is to:
- Create one clear voice for golf in Sussex
- Help break down traditional gender barriers within the game
- Strengthen governance and efficiency
- Ensure sustainability and fairness across all activity
- Build a future-proof structure that serves every golfer in the county

WHAT DOES UNIFICATION LOOK LIKE?

Unification will bring together two successful organisations, each with their own strengths, experience, and proud history, to create a single, modern County body that represents all amateur golf in Sussex.

It will combine the professionalism and consistency of a staffed operation with the passion, expertise, and commitment of a skilled volunteer workforce. Together, we will share knowledge, streamline operations, and create greater opportunities for everyone involved in amateur golf across the county.

Both boards recognise their responsibility to guide their organisations responsibly in matters of finance, strategy, and governance. Collectively, we agree that unification is the right way forward.

A unified Sussex Golf will be stronger, more inclusive, and better equipped to serve its clubs and members — benefiting from shared experience, balanced leadership, and the economies of scale that come from working as one cohesive organisation.

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WHAT IS THE TIMELINE FOR THIS?

In November 2025 , the Sussex County Ladies Golf Association informed its members that a Unification Working Group had been established and that discussions were underway to explore the potential benefits of unifying with Sussex County Golf Ltd.

Around the same time, Sussex County Golf Ltd reminded its affiliated clubs that permission had been granted to begin formal discussions with the Ladies Association. This update was shared with club managers and secretaries in early November 2025.

A consultation period will run from November 2025 until the end of January 2026, during which feedback will be invited from across the Sussex golf community — including clubs, players, county team members, coaches, volunteers, and staff.

Throughout this period, a variety of opportunities will be organised to encourage open dialogue, such as breakfast forums for club managers and secretaries. All input and feedback will help shape the process and outcome.

During the consultation, both organisations will review all feedback and communicate back before moving to a formal vote in March 2026 to determine whether unification will proceed.

If approved, the goal is for the new unified county organisation to be fully established and operational from 1 January 2027.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ's will be refreshed regularly.

If you have a question that isn’t yet covered, please submit it via the Google Form or contact Emma Whitlock (Sussex County Golf) or Jane Buckley (SCLGA).