By Hamish Stuart
The former chief executive of Ryder Cup Wales is to become the next Chair of Wales Golf.
Rob Holt, OBE, will take on the new role later in the summer. The former head of Event Wales within Welsh Government led on bringing a number of high profile golf events to Wales and has been heavily involved in developing golf tourism in Wales for around 20 years.
He joins the team of Wales Golf alongside Chief Executive Hannah McAllister, succeeding Ashton Bradbury at the end of his three year term as Chair in July.
“I am hugely proud and honoured to be Chair of Wales Golf,” said the 61-year-old. “I have been around golf in Wales for 20 plus years, working on various aspects, so it is just great to be able to give something back.
“It has been a big part of my career, given me some incredible experiences, but also I feel there was some unfinished business.
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“I had to stop being Chair of Golf Development Wales when the head of Sports Policy role was added to my Welsh Government portfolio, because of a potential perception of a conflict of interest.
“Since then the sport has come so far, so much has been achieved by Hannah and the team, not least in developing and beginning the implementation of Wales Golf’s “Everyone’s Game” strategy.
“I would also pay tribute to the contribution of Ash as Chair over the last few years.”
Holt received his OBE for services to golf, on the back of the Ryder Cup Wales successes.
He is a member of the Vale Resort Golf Club, as well as vice president of Whitchurch Tennis Club, and has many years involvement in all areas of Welsh golf through his various roles.
“I have a lot of contacts in the clubs across Wales, experience of running events, a fair understanding of the development side, so can make sure we continue to deliver for the golf clubs of Wales,” he said.
“However, my first job is to listen and learn, golf in Wales has come a long way and I have so much to find out about that from talking to the team.
“The relationship between Wales Golf and member clubs has come on leaps and bounds from when I first got involved more than 20 years ago, and I know relationships are also very strong at the highest levels with
The R&A, PGA, Golf Foundation, Sport Wales and others.
“It is absolutely key we have a strong relationship with all our stakeholders so that we can grow and diversify the game across Wales.
For example, we must work together to use the AIG Women’s British Open coming to Wales in 2025, the biggest female sporting event to be held in Wales, to increase female participation.”
The appointment has been welcomed by Wales Golf CEO McAllister. She added, “’We are delighted that Rob has agreed to become the next Chair of Wales Golf.
“He is already widely known and respected across the golf sector. The team and I look forward to working with him as we deliver on our strategic drive for golf in Wales Everyone’s Game 2023-28.”