The R&A announced Monday that it will merge with the Ladies' Golf Union (LGU) following "an extensive consultation exercise." The announcement was made by R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers, and according to a media release, the merger is expected to be completed "in the coming months."
Founded in 1893, the LGU oversees ladies' amateur golf in Great Britain and Ireland in addition to a series of championships that includes the Ricoh Women's British Open.
"The LGU and R&A have a wealth of experience in running successful championships and we have a shared focus on supporting the development of golf," Slumbers said in a statement.