145th Open Championship, Royal Troon, Scotland, 10am, 13th July, 2016
AGENDA
Welcome by the Chairman
Minute silence for deceased AGW colleagues
Apologies for absence
Approve minutes of 2015 AGW AGM at St. Andrews (Minutes – See 2015 AGM entry)
Chairman’s report
Treasurer’s Report
WELCOME from new Chairman Iain Carter
MINUTE SILENCE FOR DECEASED MEMBERS – Peter Corrigan (Member of AGW since 1995)
ATTENDANCE
David Facey, John Huggan, Jock MacVicar, Lewine Mair, Kevin Garside, Petra Himmel, Phil Casey, Tony Jimenez, Simon Lewis, Brian Keogh, Mike Harris, Goran Zachrisson, Michael McEwan, Dave Hamilton, Bob Davies, Steve Scott, Patricia Davies, Liam Kelly, Robin Barwick, Ewan Murray, Nick Rodger, Sal Johnson, Derek Lawrenson, Neil Squires, Fatiha Betscher, Peter Dixon, Philip Reid, Dermot Gilleece, Neil McLemon, Iain Carter, Philippe Herman, Jim Black, Andy Farrell, Dave Seanor, John Whitbread, Wolfgang Scheffler, Martin Dempster, John Hopkins, Alan Fraser, Jerry Tarde, Doug Ferguson, Denis Kirwin, Greg Allen, Bernie McGuire.
APOLOGIES
Viswanthan Krishnaswamy, Marcus Brunnthaler, Brian Creighton, Paul Mahoney, Geoff Russell, Mark Wilson, Mark Garrod, Nick Dye, Bryan Potter, Donald Steele, Henrik Knudsen, Declan O’Donoghue, Melanie Hauser, Bill Elliott, Eamon Power, Bill Robertson, Peter Higgs, Michael McDonnell, Anthony Rushmer, Gordan Bannerman.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Having taken over from Derek Lawrenson as AGW Chairman in April, I should begin by paying tribute to Derek for his work in the role. He was an outstanding Chairman, who steered the Association with wisdom and enthusiasm. There is no doubt that we benefitted greatly from Derek’s work, which helped strengthen the AGW’s links with the R and A, European Tour, PGA Tour, PGA of America and Augusta National.
Indeed, Derek led vital discussions with officials at the Masters when they were considering proposals for a new media centre at Augusta. The result is a multi-million dollar facility that is currently under construction that should greatly enhance our reporting experience next April.
Derek was also involved in discussions on arrangements for this September’s Ryder Cup and he is confident the facilities and transport will make our working week as comfortable as possible.
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.
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 each year, while David Hamilton’s attention to detail helps make our dinner probably the most sought after social ticket of the golfing calendar. Andy Farrell also played a key role with regard to the dinner for which we are very thankful.
Special mention should be made of Bob Davies who is entering his twentieth year as our treasurer. The Association owes a great debt to Bob for making sure our finances remain in good health. He has indicated that he is ready to step away from the role and we need to find a replacement in the next year. Bob will be a tough act to follow after two decades of distinguished service. Anyone interested in becoming our next treasurer please get in touch with me or our secretary Bernie McGuire.
We should also express our gratitude to Peter Dixon for his duties as Golf Captain. We have had several excellent days, thanks to Peter’s organisation. He has also indicated that he wishes to step down from the role, so we are also in the market for a new skipper to ensure we make the most of the opportunities we have for some great golfing experiences.
This Association could not function without the tireless work of Bernie McGuire. His enthusiasm for the secretary’s role knows no bounds and we are extremely grateful for all his hard work on our behalf. Bernie’s efforts were invaluable in organising last night’s dinner.
In the past year we have welcomed several new members. We are delighted to have Rob Hodgetts, Liam Kelly, Denis Kirwan, Declan O’Donoghue, Andy Waple and Paul Fraser among our number.
Sadly, we recently lost one of our most popular and longest serving members when Peter Corrigan passed away last month. The torrent of tributes from all parts of the sporting world spoke volumes for a great man who was a giant of the sportswriting business. He will be greatly missed by the Association.
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, 13th July, 2016
TREASURER’S REPORT (1st January, 2015 to 31st December, 2015
This is my 19th report as your honorary treasurer and I am pleased to record that it is the most successful it has been my pleasure to present.
We ended 2015 with a profit on the year of £10,892, compared with a loss on the previous year of £1,479 and £6.037 in 2013.
There are a number of reasons for this. First and foremost the R&A very generously covered the additional costs we incurred because of the unique circumstances in which the dinner was switched from the usual venue in the marquee to the Old Course Hotel.
Secondly there was a welcome increase in donations towards the dinner but at this point it is important I mention that 2015 was the last year the European Tour handed over its usual donation of £5,000 as the AGW is no longer the main partner in the selection of the Golfer of the Month.
On the income side the record attendance at last year’s dinner resulted in an increase in income from £12,150 to £13,610 and advertising in the members’ booklet brought in £2,042 against £850 in 2014.
However, the cost of the dinner rose from £22,061 in 2014 to £24,542 last year. Before moving away from the subject of the dinner, I would like to sincerely thank IMG who, on behalf of HSBC, make a considerable donation to help offset the loss on the function, as do other concerns by handing over lesser amounts. We are extremely grateful to them as, without their assistance, the event would be a huge burden on the Association.
Subscription and joining fee income went up from £5,719 to £6,391 thanks to a concerted effort to chase up defaulters. There was a saving of £2,000 in honoraria and nearly £1,000 less was spent on trophies and engraving.
Printing and stationary went up from £1,613 to £2,010, as did matches expenses from £244 to £563.
As a result of the successful year, we were in a very stable, if not buoyant, position at the end of the year. However, I consider it important to have reserves when we are involved in such expensive exercises as the dinner.
This year your Secretary Bernie McGuire has once again been enthusiastically persuading members to pay their subscriptions and, I’m pleased to say it appears to be working as there is light at the end of the tunnel that only a small number are in default at this stage of the year.
Finally, as 2017 will see me complete 20 years as treasurer of the Association I feel the time has come for me to stand down. To that end I have given notice to the Chairman and Secretary so that they have ample time to find a successor by next year’s annual meeting.
Bob Davies, AGW Treasurer, 13th July, 2016.
Proposed by Philip Reid and seconded by John Whitbread.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
My workload has not changed since my initial report this time last year but then 12 months on I have really found my feet in this new role and enjoying the challenge.
Once again, it’s been good to have so much positive feedback from the members along with the support of the AGW executive.
As mentioned in my report last year, I am looking to help build a stronger link with the administrators the AGW deal with throughout the course of the golf reporting season
One of my goals also going forward is to re-establish the worth of the AGW members badge. When I first came to Europe in the late 80s the AGW badge meant everything including most importantly stature and respect. Personally, I feel the Association has lost this over past years so be assured I am working towards having the AGW badge reinstated to its former high standing.
In conclusion I would like to thank immediate past President Derek Lawrenson for all his support in helping me settle into this new role and to say also how much I am already enjoying working with new President Iain Carter, who also is bringing so many positives to the committee and Association.
Thank you as well to all members of the AGW executive along with Golf Captain, Peter Dixon for his work in arranging our golf outings, and at this time year a special thank you to Dave Hamilton and Bob Davies for their valuable work with regards to arranging the AGM annual dinner.
I would be remiss also not to place on record the AGWs thanks to Mark Garrod for his work with Pick Your Pro, Robin Barwick for the AGW Members handbook and for those members in receipt each Christmas of one of the ‘renowned’ AGW hampers, your ‘thank you’ emails or letters should be directed to Peter Higgs.
Bernie McGuire, Secretary. 13th July, 2016
Proposed by David Face and seconded by Nick Rodger.
ELECTION OF COMMITTEE
The members welcomed new Chairman Iain Carter and the AGWs 14th Chairman since the founding of the AGW in 1938
Treasurer Bob Davies indicating he will step down in a year’s time marking 20 years as Treasurer. Also Bob is the longest standing AGW Treasurer and it will be 6 years more service than our first Treasurer Geoffrey Counsins (1938-1952). Bob joined AGW in 1989.
So the Committee will be looking for a new Treasurer and someone who can work with Bob for some time before officially taking over this time next year.
- Bob Davies voted to remain for one further year.
- Bernie McGuire voted to continue as Secretary. Lewine Mair proposed and seconded by Dave Facey.
PROPOSAL TO AMMEND AGW CONSTITUTION (Section 6) – Appointment of Full Members
The committee has discussed an amendment to Section 6 of the Constitution that reads:
Membership shall be open to professional writers on golf for whom, in the Committee’s view, membership is needed for the execution of their job. The nominee shall be proposed and seconded by members of at least three years’ standing, each of who shall write a reference in addition to signing the application form duly filled in by the candidate.
Serving Committee members may not propose or second a candidate for membership. The candidate, on acceptance by the Committee, will be placed on the Supplementary List for a minimum of one year before being considered for membership.
The Committee must also approve all other names which appear on the Supplementary
Proposal to be voted upon
Add to this section above
However, if in the view of the Committee the applicant is clearly known to be actively engaged in golf reporting the Committee can approve Full membership without the applicant needing to be placed on the Supplementary List.
LIFE MEMBERSHIP – Section 7 of the AGW Constitution.
Life Membership … Jock MacVicar and Dermot Gilleece
The President indicated the Committee had voted to bestow Life Membership on the AGW on Jock MacVicar and Dermot Gilleece.
Iain pointed out Jock has been a member of the AGW since 1965 while Dermot joined in 1981.
Martin Dempster kindly spoke of Jock’s involvement in golf and highlighting Jock’s first Open was in 1962 and also at Troon and with Jock long being the voice of Scottish golf. He spoke of Jock being a magnificent servant to the game of golf and how right it was for the AGW to bestow the honour on Jock.
Philip Reid spoke also of Dermot’s own contribution and how Dermot very much mirrored Jock in his contribution to Irish golf. He indicated Dermot had soldiered for so many years longing for Irish golfers to win a Tour event let alone a Major, and now in recent years how Dermot has witnessed and reported on the “Golden Generation” of Irish golf. Philip also recognised Dermot’s work, and also as Chairman, with the Irish Golf Writers Association.
AGW President, Goran Zachrisson then presented Jock and Dermot with a specially engraved Quaich to mark the honour.
MINUTES OF 2016 AGW Annual General Meeting – 10am Media Centre, Royal Troon, Scotland
AGW ANNUAL DINNER
The Chairman spoke of the glowing success of the dinner thanking Dave Hamilton, Bernie McGuire, Andy Farrell and Bob Davies.
The Chairman recognised the work of Dave and Bob with a presentation.
CHAIRMANS REPORT
The Chairman delivered his annual report with Phil Casey proposing and Andy Farrell seconding. Iain recognised the AGWs new President in Goran Zachrisson and also recognised Bob Davies was heading into his 20th year as Treasurer but also seeking a replacement for Bob.
Iain called for a proposer in Bob remaining one further year and with Dave Hamilton proposing and John Whitbread seconding.
The Chairman thanked the Secretary for the “energy” he brings to the role.
CHANGE IN CONSTITUTION … AGW Full Membership.
The Chairman brought up the need to change the constitution in relation to new members, and citing new member Ewan Murray at the Guardian, who should become automatic “Full” members without having to go on the “Supplementary” list.
Iain mentioned there will be always new members who should go onto the “Supplementary” list but where it is clear the new proposed member is clearly a full time golf writer then he or she should become a full member.
Iain called for any objections and as there was none forthcoming it was voted, by a show of hands, that the constitution be changed accordingly.
GENERAL BUSINESS …
Iain indicated not to ask about the AGW library at Valderrama as nothing had been done.
Chairs .. Lewine Mair brought up the issue of chairs in the various media centres on the Tour and bad back issues resulting from poor chairs. Lewine indicated she would source information from the health and safety bodies that could be presented to the Tour in providing more suitable and the correct chairs.
Media access in getting to The Open … Doug Ferguson brought up the point he had to catch a bus and why the media are not within walking distance of the Open Media Centre. He mentioned that it does not always allow walking but asked the AGW to stress to the Open going forward to need to be able to walk from your cars.
The Chairman mentioned we had the same situation at Hoylake and St. Andrews, and this was now three in a row to have to jump on a bus and that the AGW would speak to the R & A.
Rio Olympic Games … Dave Seanor, as one of the Rio Games golf media officers, kindly offered an update of arrangements at the golf course site in Rio and also offered his services to those seeking any advance assistance.
General issues …. John Hopkins made a point that there is a number of issues affecting the working environment of members that are too easily brushed to one side and getting further and further shoved down the pecking order.
He stressed the AGW should be combating this growing situation.
Michael Harris picked up on John’s remarks and saying during Open Week and during preview days the media is very restricted in what we can and cannot do with regards social media. This is in contrast to the main Tours and saying spectators have far better access to social media at The Open than spectators.
Iain indicated the AGW Committee was to meet on Sunday morning with the R & A and asked Mike to put together a formal note on the points he raised that could be brought up at that meeting.
Sal Johnson mentioned the USGA relaxed their social media policy re the media at Oakmont and the R & A needs to also fall in line while Doug Ferguson talked more of the changes in place at Oakmont.
Fatiha Betscher brought up also the restrictive practices in place at The Open and why is the R & A different with regards to a social media policy than the Tours, the USGA and the PGA of America.
Derek Lawrenson thanked the Chairman in a magnificent job in MCing the annual dinner and with Iain joking “as long as we kept ourselves out of the papers”.
Patricia Davies followed up on John Hopkins comments and endorsing his remarks that the AGW do need to act and also highlighting bad media experiences at the Solheim Cup need to be addressed.
Iain echoed Patricia’s remarks having also been at the Solheim Cup and to bring all matters where there is bad media experiences to the notice of the committee.
Courtesy cars … Lewine Mair made mention of the access to courtesy cars at events and with Iain again saying as an Association we need to address this issue with the Tours.
Peter Dixon indicated he wished to step down as Golf Captain and with Iain Carter taking the opportunity to thank him for his work as Golf Captain.
William Hill … The Chairman mentioned, and in discussion with William Hill, they are keen to financially support an AGW golf outing and hopefully at Royal Porthcawl in memory of Peter Corrigan … “a day where we play a bit of golf but where the emphasis is on the social side sponsored by a bookie would be a fitting tribute to Peter” … laughter.
MEETING CLOSED
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