Closure date 31 December, 2016 | Abbreviation LGU Replaced The R&A Founded 1893 | |
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Parent organization R&A Group Services Limited | ||
The Ladies' Golf Union (LGU) is the governing body for women's and girls' amateur golf in Great Britain and Ireland. It was founded in 1893 and is based in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. Issette Pearson was the founder and first Secretary of LGU.
The LGU is governed by an elected council with equal representation from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It is funded by a levy on women golfers' club membership fees, and indirectly represents over two hundred thousand golfers. It deals with major policy issues, all-Britain and Ireland tournaments, and international competitions. It has affiliates in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales which organise local tournaments, run the handicapping system, liaise with clubs, and promote the sport at a local level.
The LGU administers the Women's British Open, one of the major championships in global women's golf, which is open to professionals and nowadays dominated by them. It also runs several of Britain and Ireland championships: Amateur, Mid Amateur, Girls', Stroke Play, and Seniors. Additionally there are several competitions for club golfers.
The LGU runs three sets of international matches between teams from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales: the Home International Matches (mainstream adult competition); the Girls International Matches; and the Senior International Matches. The LGU is also involved in running several competitions involving teams from beyond its home territory: Curtis Cup; Vagliano Trophy; Espirito Santo Trophy; and Commonwealth competitions.