Brave new World

Fergus Bisset talks to The R&A's chief executive Mark Darbon about his first year in the role and what the future holds for golf

- Fergus Bisset

Over my 20+ years working in golf, I've been able to interview the last three chief executives of The R&A.

One thing I can unquestionably say is that they are getting younger. That, combined with the fact I am getting older, means that my encounters with these men of high standing within our sport have had quite different dynamics.

I interviewed Peter Dawson in Japan. A composed and measured man, he said exactly what needed to be said, nothing more. I likened it to being summoned for a sensible talk with my school headmaster, who was also quite a cool customer.

Martin Slumbers and I sat down for three or four conversations during his tenure. Those meetings were more like relaxed discussions with my tutors at uni - they were a bit older and more knowledgeable, but kind enough not to scoff at my silly questions.

In October, while attending the Asia Pacific Amateur Championship in Dubai, I had the chance to meet properly with Mark Darbon for the first time. This was a new situation - speaking to a man in charge of golf for 100+ million players around the globe who is the same age as me. Weird.

Mark is a fresh-faced 46-year-old exuding confidence and charisma. He embodies the Fergus Bisset talks to The R&A's chief executive Mark Darbon about his first year in the role and what the future holds for golf progressive approach The R&A is taking to push golf forward and draw newcomers into the sport. His background is impressive. He held a senior role with the London organising committee for the Olympic Games of 2012, was senior vice president of Tough Mudder Inc in New York, worked in cycling and was then CEO of Northampton Saints rugby club. He's also a low-handicap golfer. It doesn't seem fair, does it?