In a wide-ranging interview at the end of his tenure, R&A chief executive Slumbers cautions: “The constant dialogue of money has damaged the reputation of the sport.”
Just in time for the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon later this month, the R&A has a new chief executive and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club has a new secretary. In waiting, that is.
Against a changing golf and socio-economic landscape, the head of the R&A said he would not rule out the governing body getting into business with Saudi Arabia.
So far the proposal has elicited strong, emotional responses from all walks of the game, but R&A boss Martin Slumbers said there have been two areas receiving the most interest.
The hope is that the African Amateur Championship will give players from Africa a pathway into the top amateur and professional events, and is part of a wider R&A effort to develop the sport in the continent.
It represents an 18 percent increase from last year when the champion at St Andrews, Cameron Smith, earned $US2.5 million from a prize fund of $US14 million.
With Royal Troon (Scotland) in place for 2024 and Royal Portrush (Northern Ireland) set to host in 2025, the return to Birkdale for what will be the 154th Open was predictable.
Augusta National Golf Club and the R&A released statements Tuesday regarding the merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, calling the deal a “positive development” for the game.
Australian Golf Digest
