WOODHALL SPA, ENGLAND – England Golf has officially entered a new chapter following its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Woodhall Spa, confirming the induction of Debbie Richards as the organization’s new President.
Richards, a decorated amateur golfer and seasoned administrator, succeeds Alistair Booth. Her appointment comes alongside a significant refresh of the Board of Directors, signaling a focus on modernization and grassroots growth for the 2026 season.
Richards brings a formidable competitive pedigree to the presidency. A former international player who represented Wales at just 16, she has claimed club championships at Royal Mid-Surrey, Burhill, and Rye. Her transition into senior golf saw her earn a gold medal with the England Senior Team at the 2014 European Team Championships, later captaining the side to further gold in 2019—an achievement that earned her the England Golf Volunteer of the Year award.
"It is an incredible honour to have been elected as President of England Golf," Richards stated. "I am looking forward to attending the Championships and following the success of the England players throughout the 2026 season. With the amount of talent we have in England, I am sure it will be a successful year."
Looking toward the future, the organization also confirmed that Patrick Cunningham has begun his term as President-Elect, positioned to take the reins from Richards in 2027.
The AGM also saw the appointment of two new non-executive directors, Jane Bathurst and Tom Martin, both of whom bring a blend of corporate expertise and deep-rooted passion for the game.
Jane Bathurst: An Investor Relations Adviser at UBS and former County Captain of Surrey Women’s Golf, Bathurst is credited with modernizing county communications and strengthening the Women in Golf Charter.
"Our sport should appeal to all," said Bathurst. "We must continue to work on the perception of the sport and widen participation from grass roots up."
Tom Martin: A veteran of the IT and food manufacturing industries, Martin is a Level 2 referee and former captain of Sand Moor Golf Club. He emphasized a member-first approach.
"Our members are at the heart of everything we do, and I’m committed to listening, supporting and championing their needs," Martin remarked.
In further board developments, Andrew Clotworthy and Jenny Denyer were re-elected for second three-year terms. Conversely, the organization bid farewell to Moira Page and Sue Milner, who both concluded successful six-year tenures on the board.
With a leadership team that balances competitive experience with commercial acumen, England Golf appears poised to navigate the evolving landscape of the sport while honoring its traditional foundations.
