Inclusion the key for new golf exec

FORMER Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland has pledged to open doors for golfers “no matter how they play” after being named Golf Australia chief executive.

Sutherland is returning to sports administration nearly two years after he resigned from CA during a tumultuous final year in charge which included the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.

Since he exited cricket, after 17 years in the top job, Sutherland has joined the Geelong Football Club board and been chairman of the Live Entertainment Industry Forum.

A keen golfer, and member at Royal Melbourne, Sutherland acted as a volunteer marshall at last year’s Presidents Cup, played at his home course, which served as a reminder how crowds “flock to events” when the world’s best are present.

But Sutherland said while the big events were important, he saw his new role as being one which opened doors to all would-be golfers.

Breaking down barriers between the old brigade, those who still demand knee-length socks and frown at kids on course, is something Sutherland sees as crucial to the game’s growth.

“You certainly need big events you need the role models, but then at the grassroots level you have to provide a great place for people to play, a place where people of all ages can come and not feel intimidated or uncomfortable,” he said.

Sutherland couldn’t confirm whether the Australian Open, which was scheduled for December in Melbourne but postponed due to the pandemic, would go ahead in early 2021.