The UK Golf Federation (UKGF) has appointed four new members to its board of directors following its 2026 Annual General Meeting, bringing a wealth of expertise spanning resort management, championship venue operations, adventure golf and education.
Richard Haygarth, Chair of the UK Golf Federation, opened the meeting on a high note saying, “Business is looking good and there is a strong enthusiasm for golf, particularly among younger generations. The new formats for playing golf, like stadium golf, short-range simulators and online golf challenge events, are changing how golfers engage with the game now, and will do even more so in the future.”
Joining the board is Keith Pickard, Group Director of Golf, Health Club and Spa at The QHotels Collection. Keith is a PGA Professional with over 30 years of experience across golf, hospitality, leisure, health clubs and spa management in the UK and internationally, overseeing a £40 million revenue portfolio spanning 18 hotels and resorts.
Ali McGuirk brings over 28 years of experience at Prince’s Golf Club, where she has driven commercial development and marketing. She has been instrumental in the planning, development and launch of Prince’s 38-bedroom lodge accommodation and has played a key role in the club’s growth on and off the course, including involvement in prestigious events such as Final Qualifying for The Open Championship, the Women’s Amateur Championship, and preparations for hosting the Walker Cup in 2030.
Ben Laing also joins the board having worked in the Golf, leisure, and hospitality industry for over 30 years. His experience has seen him managing Marriott Hotels in senior positions including Director of Golf roles at Tudor Park and St Pierre Golf and Country Club, followed by the General Manager role for Crown Golf at The Bristol. In 2013 Ben moved to Branston Golf and Country Club as Managing Director and has subsequently led a management buyout to become the Managing Director and Co-owner.
Completing the quartet is Lucy Beadles, a Director of RB Golf Limited and ABC Adventure Golf Limited, operating Brampton Park and Aztec Adventure Golf. Prior to her work in golf, Lucy served as Head of Business and Economics at Hinchingbrooke School, having qualified at the UCL Institute of Education.
CEO Doug Poole highlighted 2025 as ‘an outstanding year’ for the UKGF member events. The GolfBIC Members Dinner at the Royal Automobile Club in London was a particular highlight after welcoming Guy Kinnings, CEO of the DP World Tour, as the headline speaker. The GolfBIC/Golf Business Expo in October saw over 600 members and guests across a single day. Building on that momentum, the 2026 GolfBIC Golf Expo takes place on 7th October at Sywell Aerodrome, with an expanded exhibitor line-up and more members & their guests expected.
The board also reaffirmed the vital role of the All-Party Parliamentary Golf Group and the UKGF’s strategy as the link between golf and government. The UKGF will continue its work in protecting golf courses from proposed water usage regulations, supporting golf course sustainability, and advocating against recent changes to business rates that pose significant challenges for golf course owners and operators.