In a joint statement, the organisations confirmed that "exploratory talks are under way between the LGU and the R&A towards establishing a more closely coordinated working relationship and t the possibility of a merger between the two operations."

The statement added: "There is a great deal of synergy between the LGU and the R&A, with both based in St Andrews and responsible for staging major championships, prestigious amateur event and international matches.

"Both organisations are committed to supporting the development of golf and encouraging participation in the sport."

The R&A run The Open Championship, one of golf's four annual major tournaments, in addition to governing the men's game worldwide, while the LGU run the Ricoh Women's British Open and oversee the ladies game in Britain.

Both organisations are currently based at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, in Scotland, the members club which the R&A's name derives from.

Dame Laura Davies was one of the first women to accept membership to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club after its ballot ©Getty Images



The R&A became a separate entity from the club in 2004 following growing criticism that the golf club refusal to admit women members.

The latest announcement comes just five months after the golf club broke with its tradition as they began to allow women to become members for first time its 260-year history, following a historic ballot in which 85 per cent voted in favour of allowing women to join the club.

The Princess Royal was among the first female members after accepting an invitation from the club.

She joined six female golfing greats Sweden's Annika Sorenstam, England's Dame Laura Davies, the United States' Renée Powell and Louise Suggs, Scotland's Belle Robertson and France's Lally Segard in accepting membership.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
February 2015: Princess Royal one of seven women to accept membership invitation from Royal and Ancient Golf Club
September 2014: Royal and Ancient Golf Club votes to allow women members in historic ballot
May 2014: Postal voting could help decide whether to scrap men-only policy at Royal and Ancient
March 2014: British Sports Minister welcomes move to abolish men-only policy Royal and Ancient Golf Club
March 2014: No decision imminent on scrapping men-only policy at golf major venues