The two St. Andrews-based golfing organizations -- the R&A and the Ladies' Golf Union -- "could soon be about to merge," according to Martin Dempster of the SCOTSMAN. Both issued a joint statement to confirm they have started "exploratory discussions" with a view toward establishing "a more coordinated working relationship" and the possibility of a future "merger." This is less than five months after the R&A Golf Club of St. Andrews "voted to admit women for the first time in its 260-year history. The R&A and the LGA "are both responsible for staging majors -- the Open Championship and Women's British Open." Both "have just secured five-year deals with Sky Sports for their flagship events starting in 2017." The joint statement ended by saying that "a further announcement will be made in due course, which could be the reaction to the news by LGU delegates this weekend." For next year's event, Royal Troon and Troon Ladies "will form a joint-championship committee -- the first time such a set-up has been in place for the game's oldest major." News of the possible merger between the R&A and the LGU "comes at a time when the Scottish Gold Union and the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association" are edging toward amalgamating. The SLGA membership has already voted unanimously for the proposition, with the SGU expected to say "yes" as well at an EGM next month (SCOTSMAN, 2/22).
