England Golf appoints two presidents

England Golf has made the unprecedented step of appointing two presidents – one male and one female – to lead the organisation.

The governing body of amateur golf in England, which was formed last month following a merger between the male English Golf Union and the English Women’s Golf Association, agreed months ago that its first president would be female. Its members voted at this week’s annual general meeting that instead of having one president, it would have two, and Paul Baxter and Sue Johnson will jointly be the new association’s figureheads.

Paul Baxter is a past chief executive of the English Golf Union and Sue Johnson is the former chair of the England Ladies’ Golf Association and the Ladies Golf Union. The two presidents will operate in tandem for the coming year.

Sue Johnson said the unusual step will be beneficial for golf in England. “This is history in the making and we are privileged to be part of it,” she said.

“Through our roles we can help to bring men and women golfers together as members of one, united and successful organisation. So, I shall attend some men’s events and Paul will be at a number of women’s events.

“The merger which created England Golf was for the good of all amateur golfers. It is now up to us to make it work.”

Paul Baxter, a former golf club secretary, added that the joint appointments will work. “I have known Sue for a number of years and we have worked together in the past,” he said.

“Creating one organisation provides the opportunity to grow the game at a time when membership of clubs is declining and one of my ambitions during my year as president is to promote the benefits of golf club membership.”