Media Centre, Royal Birkdale, July 19th, 2017.

WELCOME by Chairman

MINUTE SILENCE DECEASED MEMBERS

The AGW remembered John Fenton (July 2016), John Pinner (Apl’ 2017), Ken Bowden (Mar’ 2017) and also AGW vice-presidents in Arnold Palmer (Sept’ 2016) and John Jacobs (Jan’ 2017) who passed away in the prior 12 months.

MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE

John Hopkins, Trevor Peake, Michael McEwan, Dave Hamilton, Mike Harris, Alistair Tait, Peter Dixon, Dave Facey, Jeff Babineau, Alex Miceli, Dermot Gilleece, Alasdair Reid, Steve Douglas, Phil Reid, Jim Black, Bob Davies, Fatiha Betscher, Denis Kirwan, Fergus Bissett, Philip Quinn, Neil McLeman, Ewan Murray, Philippe Herman, Bernie McGuire, Pat Ruddy, Martin Dempster, Derek Lawrenson, Peter Higgs, Iain Carter, Goran Zachrisson, Peter Finian, Simon Lewis, Colin Callander, Brian Keogh, Mark Townsend, Mike Harris, Lewine Mair, Robin Barwick, Andy Farrell, Kevin Garside, Doug Ferguson, Phil Casey, Dave Seanor, Patricia Davies, Dick Turner.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Michael McDowell, Bill Robertson, Brian Creighton, Jamie Corrigan, Liz Kahn.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT – Iain Carter

I should begin by paying tribute to our secretary Bernie McGuire, who has worked tirelessly on behalf of the AGW membership throughout the past year.  Despite his move to the United States, Bernie has taken the lead in making sure the Association runs smoothly and remains a relevant organisation in its dealings with the game’s various tours and governing bodies.

Special thanks should also go to our outgoing treasurer Bob Davies who has completed 20 years of looking after the AGW’s finances in impeccable style.  Bob’s dedicated stewardship has been vital to the success of the organisation.  With such a diverse and disparate membership, his job has been far from straightforward.  Collecting members’ subscriptions is a constant headache and this is why we are proposing a harder line against those members who fail to pay on time.  I’m delighted that Peter Higgs has agreed to take over as treasurer and feel sure our finances remain in very good hands.

Thanks you also to our dinner secretary, David Hamiliton, for his tremendous work in ensuring the success of our dinner, which remains the highlight of golf’s social scene during Open week.

This year we saw the hard work of my predecessor Derek Lawrenson come to fruition with the lavish new media centre at the Masters.  Derek was a key figure in discussions with Augusta National during the planning stages of a facility which was opened in time for the tournament last April. The AGW along with our colleagues at the GWAA met with Augusta officials during the event to suggest further modifications to benefit reporters.

We also felt a significant advantage from Derek’s input during last year’s Ryder Cup where the PGA of America provided excellent media facilities at Hazeltine.

The European Tour and R and A continue to consult the Association over changes they implement and going forward I hope to ensure our views are accommodated in an ever changing media landscape. There is no doubt these remain challenging times with editorial budgets constantly being tightened.

Our suggestion for the European Tour’s season pass to provide automatic access to the range for regular reporters, was taken on board and seems to be working well. We are also benefitting here at the Open with more comfortable and safer chairs in our workspaces.  This was at the behest of the AGW, with Lewine Mair leading the campaign.

We are fortunate to have members who take on responsibilities that enable to Association to continue to function and make a valuable contribution beyond the ins and outs of tournament facilities.  Peter Higgs ensures that our popular Christmas hampers are sent out, while Mark Garrod continues to administer our Pick Your Pro competition which runs throughout the golfing year.  Thanks also to our Captain of Golf Peter Dixon, who looks after a number of events that provide excellent golf days for our members.

I feel confident that whether members are working the golf beat or have retired from it, they gain significant benefits from the work carried out by the Association.

Sadly, in the last year two of our vice presidents, John Jacobs and Arnold Palmer, as well as long-standing members John Fenton and John Pinner passed away.  They will all be missed and fondly remembered.

Finally, thank you for your continued membership and support of the Association.  I would like to wish you a successful and exciting week here at the Open Championship.

Iain Carter, Chairman. July 19th, 2017

The Chairman delivered his annual report with Peter Higgs proposing and Colin Callander seconding.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Bob Davies (1st January 2016 – 31st December 2016)

Whereas last year I was able to report a most successful financial year, the situation in 2016 is unfortunately in marked contrast.

Twelve months ago, I presented accounts which showed a profit on the year of £10,892 but in this, my 20th and final year as honorary treasurer, it is disappointing to report that the deficit on the year was £10,996.

Once again, it was the annual dinner which represented the greatest share of the loss.

The explanation is that the European Tour took on new partners in the selection of the Golfer of the Month and the Golfer of the Year and withdrew their annual sponsorship of £5,000, which was always a safeguard against a loss on the annual dinner. It would, of course, be remiss of me not to express our gratitude to the Tour for their support over very many years.

The other major factor was that our members did not follow the trend of previous years by paying for some of the VIP guests at the dinner. Dinner organiser Dave Hamilton told me that only two responded to the request to pay for a guest, which meant the AGW having to foot the bill of £4,500 for 90 official guests.

Fortunately, through IMG, we did receive sponsorship of £5,500 on behalf of HSBC, and £500 from Event Scotland, and I would like to record the thanks of the Association for their generosity.

Happily, I can report that HSBC and Event Scotland have come on board again as sponsors and we have another supporter – Falcon Golf – who are contributing £4,000 so hopefully the financial result of last night’s dinner will not be so bleak in the accounts for 2017.

Overall last year the cost of staging the dinner was £21,387, which was just short of £3,000 down on 2015, when we had a record attendance in The Old Course Hotel. Ticket sales amounted to £9,835, compared with £13,810 in 2015.

In total donations towards the cost of the dinner were £7,784, whereas in 2015 we received £14,936 as the R&A kindly helped out because of the event being transferred to the Old Course Hotel.

Subscriptions and joining fees were £4,771, compared with £6,391 in 2015 but I am happy to report that due to a concerted effort this year, not so many of our members are in arrears with their subscriptions. However, there are still the usual defaulters and I would urge the committee to make it mandatory for all UK based members to pay by standing order.

On the expenditure side honoraria rose by £1,000 to £3,000, trophies and engraving cost £2,763, against £224 in 2015, match expenses were £1,467 compared with £563 in the previous year and it cost £2,480 to set up a new website.

I announced last year that it was my intention to stand down and I would like to wish my successor Peter Higgs good luck as he takes over. When I was persuaded to take over the role in 1997 I didn’t for one minute envisage remaining in the position for 20 years.

Most of the time has been especially enjoyable but throughout that period the bane of my life has been the members who don’t face up to their responsibility and pay their subscriptions on time. 

Bob Davies, Hon. Treasurer

Proposed by David Facey and seconded by Phil Casey

SECRETARY’S REPORT – Bernie McGuire

I am very proud to report 2016 was the biggest intake of new AGW members since the Association was founded in 1938.

We welcomed 20 new members from six different nations and three different continents reflecting the reach now of AGW membership and compared to the initial membership of 33.

The AGW continues to meet with the various Major Championship and Tour bodies to improve the working conditions of the journalist and if there is any issue of concern, as we saw at last year’s British Masters, please bring it to notice.

I must single out Peter Dixon for thanks and his work as AGW Golf Captain in organising the AGW golf days.

Also, and in a continuing move away to benefit our Irish born members, the AGW recently contested the Michael Williams Hogget at Royal Portrush and this was the third year in succession to be held in Ireland.

My thanks to Peter Higgs in organising the AGW Christmas hampers and given the number of thank you notes they are clearly very well received.

A special thank you also to all those members, and more so our senior members, for their wonderful feedback in relation to AGW monthly newsletters.  Your comments make the hard work all worthwhile.

Finally, thank you to Bob Davies for all his support in my short time as Secretary.

Bernie McGuire, B. Bus, Secretary, July 19th, 2017

Proposed by Alistair Tait and seconded by Liam Kelly.

PRESENTATION TO BOB DAVIES

 Joined AGW in 1989.  Became Treasurer in 1997. Only the AGWs 5th Treasurer and second longest serving in AGW history.

Iain Carter led the tributes to Bob Davies who stepped down after 20-years (1997 – 2017) of ‘magnificent work’ as Treasurer of the AGW.  Iain indicated he was delighted Peter Higgs to take over the role.

A show of hands was called and it was a unanimous vote of approval for Peter.

Iain then mentioned it was only right that the AGW extend a huge thank you to Bob and a job he has carried out with great diligence and the Association is very, very thankful for Bob’s work as Treasurer.

Bob responded saying that Michael McDonnell, Michael Williams and himself sat together once at Atlanta Airport and they ‘talked’ him into going onto the committee but not for a moment did Bob think he would serve as Treasurer for 20-years.

Bob also indicated by-and-large it had been a great pleasure to have been Treasurer and with the only downturn being those members late in paying their fees.  Bob also wished Peter every success in taking over the role even though Bob pointed out Peter did seem a little apprehensive.

In conclusion, Bob thanked the general members for their friendship and camaraderie over so many years.

Iain picked-up on Bob’s point re the subs saying it does become a complete ‘pain’ that when we attend The Open, and the busiest week of our year, the Treasurer has to spend the week hounding members for fees that should have been paid at the start of the year.

To that end, the Chairman indicated it is proposed to alter the relevant section in the AGW handbook (Section 10 of the AGW Constitution) that indicated members had to The Open to pay their fees.

Bob Davies reported that there was just eight as at the AGW who had not paid and with Bob indicting the number to be lowest since he was Treasurer.

John Hopkins asked to point out that view to the uncertainty of the 2019 golf tournament calendar and the staging of the BMW PGA that the final date for payment of fees be the end of March each year.

Iain said ‘he felt more comfortable’ with the end of May and has to be after the end of the Masters and that the committee was trying to be as fair as we can.

Dermot Gilleece asked if ‘individual’ cases will be considered by the committee for an extension in payment and the Secretary confirmed there is two or three cases where the Committee has waived fees for those members struggling financially.

It was put to a vote, and agreed unanimously, the final date for payment of fees is now May 31st each year.

CHANGE IN CONSTITUTION Section 10 regarding payment of fees

LIFE MEMBERSHIP PROPOSAL – Pat Ruddy. 

Joined AGW in 1984. Long-time supporter of the AGW & hosting many AGW Home Internationals at the European Club. Last week honoured with Ballyliffin, he designed, chosen to play host to 2018 Irish Open.   

The President indicated the Committee had voted to bestow AGW Life Membership to Pat Ruddy.

Iain pointed out Pat joined the AGW in 1984 and highlighted Pat, and while long-time author of the Golfer’s Companion, has been a very long-time supporter of the AGW in hosting many times he AGW Home Internationals at his renowned European Club in Ireland. Two weeks prior the AGM Pat was honoured with his Ballyliffin designed course hosting the 2018 Irish Open.

Dermot Gilleece spoke of Pat’s contribution to the AGW saying honouring Pat could not have been more-timely given the Irish Open venue announcement.  Dermot said, however, it was important at the AGM to recognise Pat the golf writer who had done much to promote our craft.  Dermot first met Pat in 1972 at the West of Ireland.  He has made many AGW members ‘Life Members’ of the European Club. 

Pat said he was very humble to accept the award coming from a pre-TV starting golf writing career when he first met the likes of AGW founding President Bernard Darwin and the times he would come home from church to ‘read Longhurst’s 800 words’.  We would have chicken, jelly and ice cream and go golfing.

Pat said he seemed like the Irish farmer who got the Noble Prize for being outstanding in his field (laughing). 

Pat ended saying how very, very proud he was to accept life membership.

Goran to present Quaich to Pat.

CHAIRMAN THANK YOU’S TO AGW MEMBERS

The Chairman used the AGM to thank the following, and those not on the committee, for their work throughout the year:

Robin Barwick – AGW members handbook and yearly diaries.

Peter Higgs – Arranging despatch of the AGW Christmas Hampers

Mark Garrod – Work in co-ordinating the AGW ‘Pick Your Pro’

Peter Dixon – AGW Golf Captain in helping arrange the AGW Golf Days

David Hamilton – AGW annual dinner

GENERAL REMARKS FROM PRESIDENT GORAN ZACHRISSON

AGW President Goran Zachrisson asked to address the meeting using the occasion firstly to report on Renton Laidlaw’s heath and while saying he looked weak he was generally well and that Renton wished he could be in attendance.

Goran also thanked the AGW for having ‘trust’ in his capacity as President for the past two years as AGW President saying he never felt so important in his lifetime and that he had called Renton wanting to know what it would be like going from ‘down there’ (pointing to seated AGW members) to up here and referring to being on the AGW executive.

Goran also expressed his thanks, and as President, he felt he’s become closer to members of the AGW. 

GENERAL REMARKS FROM CHAIRMAN IAIN CARTER

Iain firstly apologised for the mix-up with access to the Royal Birkdale clubhouse and access to the locker-room to change ahead of Tuesday’s dinner.

GENERAL BUSINESS

Annual Dinner – The Chairman thanked David Hamilton, Bob Davies, Bernie McGuire and Andy Farrell for all their work in regards to the success of the dinner.  The food was superb, the room was set-out fantastically and he was thrilled with all the work that had been done.

David Facey wanted it placed on record the excellent job Iain Carter did in again hosting the dinner and with all members applauding Iain’s work.

Poor sound at AGM … Ewan Murray brought-up the aspect of poor sound at the AGM.  The Chairman had explained at the start of the meeting the reason for the audio system not operating and it was pointed out to Ewan, who was at the back of the room, there was ample seating at the front of the room. 

Doug Ferguson remarked:  “I have no problem hearing Bernie.  I just can’t understand what he’s saying”.  (Much laughing).

The issue of the sound within the meeting room will be addressed ahead of the 2018 AGM.

Chairs .. Jim Black brought up the issue of the chairs in the media centre and Iain asked if Lewine Mair, who had done so much work with regard to getting better seating, speak on the matter.  Lewine responded to Jim’s concerns and explaining to all that there were ways to make the chairs more comfortable. Iain asked if Lewine would host a ‘chair tutorial’ for those not familiar with the various chair adjustments.

Social Media …. Alex Miceli asked to AGW Committee to take a stronger stand with the R & A with regards video clips.  The Secretary responded that following meetings with the R & As media team, the R & A indicated they are sympathetic to our concerns but their hands are tied by the TV rights holders (NBC TV).

Michael Harris supported Alex Miceli’s comments and suggesting the R & A do ‘hide behind’ the comments of the rights holders.

Alistair Tait also spoke to the subject and asking what would be the scenario if say Golf Monthly did not obtain accreditation and while the average spectator can walk all 18 holes and put up everything on their social media pages yet an accredited media representative cannot. 

Patricia Davies asked the chair if it was her understanding The Open was trying to make it more ‘closed’ to the media. 

Fatiha Betscher pointed out that she noticed also players, caddies and managers taking photos on the course while the media is not allowed.

Philip Quinn asked if the R & A had considered adopting the European Tour media practice of splitting media interviews for ‘TV and agency’ and ‘written media’.   The Secretary pointed out the R & As Malcom Booth is open to that suggestion. 

The Chairman reassured members the AGW will keep ‘hammering away’ at the R & A as it is a fight well-worth pursuing as the AGW committee will continue to dialogue on the matter.

AGW Open guest ticket … John Hopkins raised the point of AGW guest tickets for The Open and while it used to be two, it has been reduced to one. He also mentioned whether the R & A was ‘withholding’ as it was a similar practice of being reluctant to hand out Player Guides.  He also wanted to clarify if the photographers are granted access to a ‘guest ticket’.

European Tour website … Alistair Tait asked if the Committee had raised the issue to the European Tour of the state of their website.  Iain Carter responded that the AGW had raised the issue with the Tour, and that Scott Crockett, said that it was a re-launch but clearly not a successful re-launch.

Access to the Orange car park for the AGW annual dinner … Peter Higgs asked if those attending the AGW annual dinner could gain access to the appropriate car park earlier than the 5pm stipulation.  The committee indicated they would look at it.

AGW membership requirement … David Hamilton asked the Committee to clarify in those wishing to join the AGW is it a requirement 80% of your earnings must be golf-related.

The Chairman indicated that not to be a consideration in membership and that we had ‘to move with the times’.

Open Championship transcripts .. Philip Reid asked if the R & A  would consider distributing ‘paper’ transcripts at The Open rather than just relying on a full electronic service.  The R & A media team was aware of this and agreed to reinstate a full ‘hard copy’ transcript in all the trays.

Open Championship car parking .. Doug Ferguson wished it placed on record the R & A be praised for the location of the Open media car parking adjacent to the Royal Birkdale Media Centre.

European Tour website .. Fatiha Betscher raised the point that the European Tour asks, when applying for accreditation, how many website followers you may have and indicated the worth of such a question when there is so many ‘fake’ followers.

Audio from Open Championship ‘flash area’  … Denis Kirwan asked the possibility of obtaining an audio feed from The Open flash area.

Chairman Iain Carter closed the meeting and again congratulating Pat Ruddy on his Life Membership.

Meeting closed