Malvern Alumnae 100 Profile

Ruth Thompson, MGC 1961 Leaver

Retirement from being deputy head of a large successful comprehensive school in Cheshire lasted for 24 hours (!) before I was invited to take on the role of County Captain of Cheshire Ladies Golf Association. This turned out to be the beginning of over twenty years in golf administration.

Starting at county level then progressing to regional and eventually national level, I was fortunate enough to be involved in modernising the English Ladies Golf Association into EWGA (English Women’s Golf Association), becoming the first chairman of the Operational Board, looking after the association’s golfing activities. From that I progressed to be involved with the men’s national golf union in order to amalgamate the two organisations into England Golf.

Part of my responsibilities as being chair of the operational board was to organise and deliver rules courses to volunteers around the country. After having successfully passed the R and A rules exam in St Andrews, the home of golf, three colleagues and myself travelled the length and breadth of England to assist counties in obtaining referees for tournaments. This was great fun and most challenging and rewarding. In addition to this I also refereed at some national tournaments as well as running many championships where I was privileged to be involved with players who are now playing at national and international level.

I have had such enjoyment from the game of golf, playing and meeting incredible people, who are still friends to this day. To be the first woman recipient of the Gerald Micklem Trophy for outstanding contribution to the amateur game is something I never expected, but is something of which I am extremely proud, much of which can be attributed to the training and education I received at MGC.

What does success look like?

Working hard and enjoying what you do so that others will enjoy it as much as yourself.

What is your best piece of advice?

Listen to others, respect and value their opinions, but above all give without expecting anything in return.