Martin Slumbers to step down as R&A chief executive

R&A CEO Martin Slumbers will step down at the end of 2024 after nine years, the board has announced.
Slumbers, who resigned as secretary of the Royal Golf Club of St Andrews, will oversee the 152nd Open at Royal Troon, the AIG Women’s Open at St Andrews and the 43rd Curtis Cup at at Sunningdale before quitting. “It was an honor to play golf at such a high level,” said the 63-year-old.
“This is something we are proud to do on behalf of R&A staff, members of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club and all our global partners. “In every profession there is a moment when the next generation comes. I am delighted to have had the honor of being a supporter of the R&A and all that the game of golf stands for for nearly a decade.”

The slippers played a key role in the 2019 update to the Rules of Golf and the new 2020 world handicap system and distance process, which led to the announcement of the new rules in December to reduce the distance of golf balls. The rules apply to both recreational players and elite competitions, but Slumbers argued that the change is necessary for the long-term sustainability of the game.
He told the PA news agency: “Governance is not easy, but it is our responsibility to look to the future and make sure the game is properly structured for the long term, and I think this rule change is part of that.” “I think it’s an important moment for the game and a positive moment for the game.”

Paying tribute to Slumbers, R&A chairman Niall Farquharson said: “In Martin, we were fortunate to have a CEO who led the organization through a period of growth and raised the profile and reputation of our sport, making it more accessible , more attractive and affordable. . Available. inclusive.
“Through his reputation and influence in the world of golf and sport, and by increasing Open revenue to reinvest in the game, he has maintained the commitment to the R&A’s goal of keeping golf thriving and growing beyond 50 years. Demonstrated transformational leadership. . “He often talks about the appearance of history.