The 2018 Annual General Meeting of the Association of Golf Writers (AGW) was conducted at 10am on Wednesday July 18th in the interview area of the media centre at Carnoustie.

AGW Chairman Iain Carter welcomed members to the meeting.

The meeting commenced with a minute’s silience following the passing of three of our members over the prior 12 months – Mike Britten, Eamonn Power and Mark Wilson while the AGW and the golf world lost five-time Open champion Peter Thomson who was an honorary vice-president of the AGW.

Members were emailed beforehand the minutes from the 2017 AGW along with the Chairman’s, Treasurer’s and Secretary reports along with a finanical statement.

There were three highlights at the AGM and the first being the unanimous vote of the appointment of Jock MacVicar as the AGWs new President.  Jock, who joined the AGW in 1965, becomes the 13th President of the AGW and takes over from Goran Zachrisson who proudly served the AGW as President from 2015.

Goran created AGW history in proudly becoming the first non-UK born President of the AGW but sadly ill health forced him from travelling to Carnoustie to attend either the annual dinner and the AGW however Chairman, Iain Carter did single Goran out for praise at the annual dinner and with Iain’s words drawing a very warm applause from the 260 in attendance in the Links Pavilion.

Secondly, the AGW proudly bestowed Life Membership on Colin Farquharson who joined the Association in 1974.   Martin Dempster spoke of Colin’s strong career in journalism that began in 1953 when he was employed as a copy boy for the Press and Journal.  In 1974, Colin was appointed Sports Editor of the P & J.

And while Colin retired from the newspaper in 1997 he continues to be actively involved in promoting golf via his website:  www.scottishgolfview.com

Colin Farquharson with his daughter, Elaine (leff) and his wife, Ethel along with AGW Chairman Iain Carter.

Colin Farquharson with his daughter, Elaine (leff) and his wife, Ethel along with AGW Chairman Iain Carter.

Colin Farquharson with his proud daughter and double GB & I Curtis Cup captain, Elaine

Colin Farquharson with his proud daughter and double GB & I Curtis Cup captain, Elaine

Joining Colin was wife, Ethel and his double GB & I Curtis Cup captain daughter, Elaine and a very special thank you to both Ethel and Elaine in organising Colin’s appearance at both the dinner and the AGM.

Colin suggested he had an ‘inkling’ something was afoot as Ethel was making a fuss over him and something Colin joked she never does.

So, many congratulations Colin from all your many friends at the AGW.

And to mark the 80th anniversary a group photograph was taken of those who found time during a busy Open Championship week to attendi the AGW.

Our thanks again to Dave Cannon for the historic photograph.

AGW 2018 Annual General meeting

Back row (left to right)– Geoff Russell, Bryce Ritchie, Philippe Hermann, Jim Black, Phil Casey, Martin Vousden, Alistair Tait, Dave Facey, Trevor Peake, Dick Turner, Neil McLeman, Nick Rodger, Andrew Both, Simon Lewis, Denis Kirwan,

Centre row (left to right – seated)- Dave Seanor, Steve Scott, Colin Farquharson, Jock MacVicar, Peter Higgs, Iain Carter, Bernie McGuire, John Hopkins, Peter Dixon, Alasdair Reid, Doug Ferguson (standing)

Front row – Ewan Murray, Martin Dempster, Brian Keogh, Fatiha Betscher, Andy Farrell, Philip Quinn, Peter Finian, Tony Jimenez, Philip Reid, Adrian Milledge.