Moray woman to attend The Masters and the 150th Open Championship after being named Scottish Golf President
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A WOMAN from Moray has been named Scottish Golf President.
Scottish Golf is the national governing body for all golf courses in Scotland.
Liz Munro is just the second woman and first person from Moray to be nominated to the post.
The nomination is a huge coup for the Moray and Elgin Golf Club member who has been heavily involved with the sport for over 60 years.
"It's a huge honour," Liz said.
"To be named President of our national body while being a local from this area is just fantastic.
"I've been Vice President for two years. That ensures that when your day comes to be President you know what you're doing.
"This will be my year as President. I'll be involved with all the meetings so I'll get a real grasp of what's going on in Scottish golf.
"Nobody can say anymore that the north is going to be neglected because I'm from the north.
"They've recognised that the whole of Scotland is the whole of Scotland."
Liz has worked as a rules official for 25 years where she has covered tournaments all over the UK and Ireland.
The sight of a rules official on a golf course is usually a bad sign for golfers but Liz has garnered a reputation for greeting people in a friendly and polite manner.
She said: "It's just been marvellous. There was nothing better than going up to people who are in a spot of bother with a smile and telling them that they can get relief.
"It's a great life and I believe that this is a nice wee reward."
Liz took over from previous President David Fleming on March 13 last month.
As the new President, Liz will attend tournaments in an ambassadorial role. That will include attending the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews later this year and The Masters tournament at Augusta National next Spring - arguably the two most iconic tournaments in golf.
"It's going to be a good year for me providing covid and the weather doesn't scupper anything," Liz said.
"The Open will be a huge event this year and people are going to be flocking to St Andrews from all around the world.
"I'll be there, mingling with the crowd and representing Scottish Golf. That suits me fine because I can talk for Scotland.
"The Masters will be special as well. It was the current President's turn this time and it will be mine next year.
"They give you that after you've done your year because otherwise you might not fulfil your obligations."
Scottish Golf formed in 2016 after the respective female and male governing bodies merged in an effort to secure new funding.
Part of its remit is to find ways to attract more people into a sport that has been construed by many as time consuming and expensive.
However, Liz insists these issues are being addressed in Scotland.
"You have to move with the times," Liz added.
"Very few want to play 18 holes anymore or have the time to. Scottish Golf have made it so you can play six or nine holes.
"At least they are addressing that and letting that happen because it has taken them years to think of this.
"It's an exciting time for people to get into the sport and for me to takeover as President."
