AGW NEWSLETTER – MARCH 2024
I guess this newsletter is akin to the old #272 bus I used to catch to work in Sydney when a then a much younger fellow. You know the story as you wait ages for one and than two would turn-up at the same time
So, knowing you received a first newsletter of 2024 just a fortnight ago, here is a second newsletter of the year.
There is a repeat of some news but there are a few items I could have sent out individually to the members but I thought why not just send out another newsletter.
AGW Committee
I mentioned this in the first AGW newsletter of the year that there are vacancies on the AGW Committee for those who’d like to give your time to joining.
We had a first committee meeting via Zoom last Tuesday week and chatted away for about 45-minutes on various matters.
However, it would be good to see some of our more long-time members giving something back to the Association, if I can be bold enough to use that expression.
I have a few nominees already on my list but just need a few more names before I go back to the committee with a list of nominees to get approval.
2024 Masters – Media information
Those attending the up-coming Masters will be in for a small change with the media team at Augusta National advising there will no longer be ‘Working Press’ badges issued to the Masters media as everyone being accredited will be issued with the same ‘Media’ badge.
As well, the AGW has been pleased to advise our many Spanish members attending the Masters that the Association’s ‘behind the scenes’ hard work in dealing with the Masters media team has been rewarded as any player, such as defending Masters champ Jon Rahn, will face questions first in English and then the Spanish-speaking media will also be afforded time to address questions in Spanish to Jon.
This will continue through the week for all ‘non-English speaking born players’ attending the media centre and when there is media from his home country looking to interview the player.
As well, if there is any ‘media-related’ issue that may arise at the Masters please conduct AGW Chairman Philip Reid will be present in the media centre.
Also, the DP World Tour will again be hosting AGW and GWAA members to dinner on the Tuesday night and if are an AGW member and you have not been aware of this, then please email me and I am sure the Tour will arrange for you to be present.
AGW Golf Matters
R&A Salver
Also, on the recent AGW committee agenda was the future hosting of the R&A Salver and with the committee unanimous in agreeing the trophy, and presented at the R&A hosted yearly media outing, will no longer count towards the annual ETIQUS – AGW Race to Royal Liverpool award.
Prior to the subject of the R&A Salver being discussed at committee level I sought the views of the members and of those who kindly responded it was the overwhelming view all current five AGW tournaments should be open to all members and not be restricted as the R&A Salver has been in past years.
As we know, the R&A media outing is open to media accredited or seeking accreditation for The Open, with AGW members attending normally numbering around third of the 40 or so who apply to be present to attend the golf/press conference/dinner day.
AGW Golf Captain Adrian Milledge and I are now working on sourcing on a new venue, a new trophy and a name for the new trophy. In this regard, it’s been great to have the member support that has already been forthcoming including those working directly with golf clubs who would be delighted to host the Association.
Also, is any member aware of the whereabouts of the ‘replacement’ Pat Ward Thomas trophy, please? I understand the original was ‘retired’ to a watery grave but if you could help out knowing the whereabout of the replacement please contact me.
Renton Laidlaw Salver – Drumoig Tuesday 7th May.
An update on the opening event of the 2024 AGW golfing season with Adrian advising numbers are strong to tee-up at Drumoig at 11am on Tuesday, 7th May.
Jennifer, Renton’s sister, has kindly agreed to present the trophy in honour of her dear brother while Drumoig also wishes to honour Renton with prizes on the day.
The club will provide bacon rolls, coffee/tea ahead of tee-off and following the golf there will a complimentary lunch, and what Jennifer pointed out was Renton’s favourite post golf meal – fish & chips and then ice-cream – following the golf so be sure not to rush away.
Now that’s an even better reason to get in touch with Adrian and book yourself in what will be a special day teeing-up on Renton’s home course.
Please confirm your booking with Adrain at email: email hidden; JavaScript is required">email hidden; JavaScript is required
Open Championship Accommodation
Please find below advice from the R&A on the official media hotel for this year’s Open Championship.
The AGW Committee discussed this matter in a recent committee and like all members, whether or not attending The Open, were shocked by the price being asked by the Ayr Premier Inn, and the committee being far from pleased with the R & A in assisting the media in regards to sourcing ‘reasonably price’ rooms. As well, the committee was very conscious of the reaction by employers in sending their golf writer to Royal Troon, and facing such a high price for a room for the week.
The R&A was contacted and advised the AGW the ‘media hotel’ rate is similar to what the R&A officials are being charged, and while due very much to market forces, there was no easy solution.
The accommodation notice received from the R&A is:
The R&A have rooms set aside for media at the Premier Inn Ayr A77 / Racecourse [https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/ayr/ayr-a77racecourse.html?cid=GLBC_AYRWHE].
The rate is £376 B&B per room per night single occupancy and £388 B&B per room per night double/twin occupancy based on a 7-night stay (Check In Monday 15 July, Check Out Monday 22 July). Breakfast included.
A media shuttle bus service will operate from this hotel to and from the golf course.
If any of your members wish to reserve a room, please ask them to contact me (Mary Flanagan) at email hidden; JavaScript is required to register their interest no later than Monday 18 March.
Keith Pelley Send Off – Players Championship
Also, as previously mentioned there will be a formal AGW presentation to out-going DP World Tour CEO Keith Pelley next week at the Players Championship.
Ewan Murray will be working with the Tour’s Steve Todd on co-ordinating this so they will each have all details.
Awards
Many members will know Florida-based journalist and GWAA member Craig Dolch. It was great to see him honoured at last week’s PGA event at Palm Beach Gardens with the Tim Rosaforte Distinguished Journalist award.
Tim was both a member of the GWAA and the AGW, having joined the AGW in 1994 and sadly passed away two years ago.
The AGW posted a ‘X’ (Twitter) message congratulating Craig and you can read those, and also retweet, by clicking on:
and
It you click on the second link, it’s nice to see the media centre at last week’s tournament has been named after Tim,
Also, our sister body the GWAA announced that victorious European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald will be honoured during Masters week, and at the GWAAs annual dinner, with their Jim Murray award and a similar award as the AGWs Arnold Palmer Open award in honouring those persons for their cooperation in dealing with the media.
The AGW also used our ‘X’ account to congratulate Luke, who we have been assured will be in attendance the AGWs annual dinner during Open Championship week to accept the Golf Writers Trophy on behalf of the winning European Ryder Cup team.
Other News ….
I would like to advise that also as a proud 35-year long member of the Australian Golf Media Association (AGMA) there is an extra-ordinary meeting of the Association via a Zoom call next Tuesday to vote on the future of the Association.
The vote stems from last November’s AGM when it was pointed out the lack of member interest in AGMA hosted golf outings while a section of the Australian golf media also refuse to become members because of what they say ‘there is nothing in it for them’.
I’m sure the likes of Tom Ramsey, a founding member of the Association, and known to so many of our senior AGW members, would turnover in his grave to learn if the vote was to fold.
The current Chairman also called for ‘for any ideas that might engage the majority of the current membership, as well as making the association more attractive for new member’s’.
As your AGW Secretary for near on 10-years, I have always encouraged members to come forward with ideas and for them to share any news items you think may be of interest to members.
I am doing to that again but not fearing heading down the same path as the AGMA but asking you to come forward if you feel the AGW can improve its work for you the member.
Maybe joining the committee could be your to do this.
Boxing Writers Club
I would also like to mention a great but also sad chat I had recently with David Smith, an AGM member for over 20-years, and long-time Secretary of the Boxing Writers Club.
Disappointingly, the Boxing Writers Association that was founded in 1951 is folding at the end of next month. I have spoken to David often in our similar roles, but listening him talk of those ‘glory days’ in the reporting of boxing and how it’s all changed to the news now the Association is to fold, understandably was not easy for him.
So, may I on behalf of the AGW, congratulate David for his many years of tireless work as the Boxing Writers Club Secretary and, on a personal note, thank him for the support he’s shown me in a similar role.
I am sure, if you had the time, David would like to hear from you. You could ring him on 07885 328 613 or email: email hidden; JavaScript is required
Here also is a small article written about the Boxing Association: https://www.boxingscene.com/boxing-writers-club-announces-imminent-closure–181721
Bernie McGuire,
Secretary.
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