England Golf appoints John Petrie as chief executive

England Golf has announced John Petrie as its chief executive following the merger of the English Golf Union (EGU) and the English Women's Golf Association (EWGA).

The decision to appoint Petrie, who was previously chief executive of the EGU, was made at the first meeting of the new board of England Golf earlier this month.

Petrie said: "It is both an honour and a challenge to have been appointed as chief executive of England Golf.

"I am under no illusions that there is a huge task ahead bringing two successful companies together to make one even more successful company.

"I am fortunate to have excellent staff from both the EGU and EWGA to help make this happen as well as the support of the board and the many volunteers that support the governance of golf."

Nigel Evans has also been nominated by the board to be the first chairman of England Golf. The decision is set to be approved at England Golf's AGM on February 15th.

Like Petrie, Evans previously held a similar role with the EGU after being elected as its chairman in 2009. It is thought he will chair the England Golf board for a further two years.