Stephen Lewis to be next chairman of the Golf Foundation

Former CEO of Crown Golf Stephen Lewis is set to succeed the long-standing Charles Harrison as the chairman of the Golf Foundation.

Lewis, who will take up the post in April, has spent a career in the health, fitness, and golf management worlds, during which time he has held a number of key senior posts.

Harrison will have completed seven years in the role when he steps down next year.

He said: “The trustees are delighted to welcome Stephen to the Board, and are sure that his business and golf management experience, allied with his clear love of the game, will be most helpful in the further development of the Foundation as the leading golfing charity in the UK associated with grassroots development.”

The Golf Foundation was founded by Sir Henry Cotton and colleagues in 1952. Through its ‘HSBC Golf Roots’ programme the charity offers children and young people golfing opportunities which can be pursued at a golf club under expert supervision.

Often beginning with school, inner city and other community golf projects, young people can ‘Start, Learn and Stay’ in golf through this community-to-club pathway.

While a key focus is the ‘Skills for Life’ benefits that golf offers children from all backgrounds, HSBC Golf Roots is helping the Foundation’s national partners to grow the game. Last year the initiative led to 3,600 new club junior members being introduced by the Golf Foundation (a 45% increase from the year before).

Brendon Pyle, chief executive of the Golf Foundation, said: “The senior management team and I believe Stephen Lewis can continue the strong chairmanship it has enjoyed under Charles’ leadership, and look forward very much to welcoming him to the Board.”

He also said: “The Golf Foundation has been incredibly fortunate to have had Charles Harrison as its Chairman for the last seven years, benefiting greatly from his financial and business acumen, his shrewd judgement and personal energy, plus his passion for the ideals of this junior golf charity.

“Charles’ level of engagement with both the staff and the external stakeholders, his attention to detail, and his influence within the golfing world has helped the Foundation make significant advances.”