SCOTTISH GOLF CEO ANDREW McKINLAY RESIGNS

Scottish Golf announced tonight that Andrew McKinlay has taken the decision to "step aside" from his role as Chief Executive Officer.

Andrew McKinlay, who had previously worked for the Scottish Football Association, has been in the role for just over two years.

His shock departure comes as Scottish Golf's member clubs are desperately looking to their governing body for some leadership and support during the coronavirus crisis.

The full statement from Scottish Golf reads as follows:

"We are living in unprecedented times and, as we are all very well aware, sport has no immunity to the impact of COVID-19. Scottish Golf, like all businesses and indeed golf clubs across the country, is having to assess its business model. The governing body has had to make some very difficult decisions regarding income and expenditure, to ensure sustainability in the current circumstances. 

"To this end, our Chief Executive, Andrew McKinlay, has decided that he should step aside in order to help the organisation come through this situation. He leaves having worked with the team on a revised structure that will be fit for purpose when we emerge from the national lockdown."

"Eleanor Cannon, Scottish Golf Chair: On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Andrew for his contribution to Scottish Golf over the past two years. He brought a wealth of experience to what can be a pressurised role."

"He has helped take the organisation forward and has now taken a very difficult decision at this challenging time. I thank him for doing so and wish him the very best for the future.”

"Andrew McKinlay: It has been a privilege to lead this fantastic organisation and, I am grateful to Eleanor and the board for the opportunity. Above all I am indebted to the team at Scottish Golf for their commitment in implementing the objectives to take the game forward towards a sustainable and, indeed, prosperous future.”

"Eleanor Cannon, Chair, Scottish Golf"