Former tennis star Blane Dodds named as new CEO of Scottish Golf

The former tennis player, and current chair of Tennis Scotland, Blane Dodds, has been named as the new chief executive of Scottish Golf.

Scottish Golf is the governing body of golf in Scotland and was only formed at the end of last year following an amalgamation of the male and female organisations that ran the amateur game. Its first CEO, Hamish Grey, left just a few weeks after he was appointed.

Blane Dodds, 49, who represented Scotland as an international tennis player, has held various senior management roles within sports management and marketing, the health and fitness industry and charitable trusts. He is also UK president of the European Capital of Sport Association.

Blane Dodds

The keen golfer, who plays off a seven handicap at Kilmacolm Golf Club in Renfrewshire, has a proven track record of delivering increased participation, says Scottish Golf, combined with experience of transformational change, notably in his most recent role as CEO of North Lanarkshire Leisure.

He said: “Being asked to lead the governing body of amateur golf in Scotland is a great honour and I look forward to going around the country to better understand the challenges faced by clubs and golfers.

“I want to ensure this great game continues to be at the heart of communities across Scotland and will work hard to build the partnerships needed to achieve that, putting down strong foundations for future generations of golfers.”

Dodds’ previous positions include sales and marketing manager at David Lloyd Leisure, which included the creation of the first David Lloyd centre outside of London in Renfrew, before becoming founder and managing director of International Golf Network, a web-based golf membership and tourism company.

He also worked at North Lanarkshire Council as head of cultural and recreational services and was Glasgow Club manager for Glasgow City Council, leading its membership scheme following managing one of its flagship facilities. He joined North Lanarkshire Council in 2002, before becoming CEO of North Lanarkshire Leisure in 2006 where he held the position until recently, overseeing significant changes to the business which has become one of the leading sport and leisure trusts in Scotland.

Eleanor Cannon, chair of Scottish Golf, said: “We are delighted to have attracted somebody of Blane’s talent and experience to Scottish Golf.

“The board was excited at the vision and ambition articulated by Blane during the recruitment process and look forward to working with him and the team to better support our clubs and encourage more people into the game.”

Dodds will start his new role in August.