A view from the TOP

Fergus Bisset speaks to R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers on a range of subjects, from The Open to the public's perception of the game...

- Fergus Bisset

Martin Slumbers has been chief executive officer of The R&A for eight years. During that time, the organisation has played an instrumental role in moving golf forwards on a global level. The Open has become a far more commercial enterprise, allowing for greater investment back into the game. International amateur tournaments have also driven top-level golf forward in developing regions and expanded the game’s reach beyond the wealthiest in countries where the sport would otherwise have been inaccessible to the majority.

A new World Handicap System has been introduced to unify amateur golf around the globe and projects to nurture the game at the grassroots have been instigated. Sustainability in golf has become a huge topic and the benefits of golf towards physical and mental health have been properly identified, then promoted at home and abroad.

Fergus Bisset met up with Mr Slumbers at the Latin America Amateur Championship (LAAC) in Puerto Rico to talk over the changes he has overseen and witnessed during his tenure at The R&A...

How has The R&A changed during your time as chief executive?

Time goes by quickly. When I came into the role, I thought hard about what I wanted to get done. I focused on two things: for The R&A to be more relevant to the modern game and for The R&A to take more leadership in how the game develops. We’ve strived to present golf in a modern way while being appreciative of history. I think the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews showcased that blend very nicely.