Nominated Director

About Golf Ireland

Golf Ireland is the national governing body for golf in Ireland with more than 236,000 Golf Ireland affiliated members and a network of 376 clubs across the island of Ireland. Golf is now the fourth largest sport in Ireland in terms of participation. Our purpose is to be a modern, inclusive and cohesive governing body that untaps the immense potential of golf throughout the island. We believe Golf is a game for everyone – for enjoyment, for health for life.

As a company limited by guarantee, Golf Ireland is led by a Board of Directors comprising of six members selected by its regions, a Chairperson, and six Nominated Directors selected by the Nominations Advisory Committee, at least four of whom must be independent of Golf Ireland. A Board rotation process is in place and the organisation is committed to maintaining 40:40 gender balance on the Board, in line with government requirements.

Role Details

At the 2026 National AGM of Golf Ireland on 28 March 2026, one Nominated Director position is due for rotation.

Expressions of interest for this significant role are now welcome and should be submitted to board@golfireland.ie by Thursday 29 January at 5pm.

This is an opportunity to join a diverse board that works closely with the wider Golf Ireland team and stakeholders to continue to grow the game in Ireland. As a member of the Board you will have an opportunity to develop initiatives that help support golf in Ireland, nurture our talent and lead our organisation.

In order to meet the Irish Government’s gender balance requirements for the boards of sports governing bodies, to which Golf Ireland is publicly committed, the nominee for this vacancy must be male.

Role Description

Directors must clearly demonstrate their ability to meet the requirements of the role, explaining how their experience and technical skills will assist them.

In order to provide a balanced skill set Golf Ireland is seeking applicants specifically with experience or knowledge in one or more of the following areas:

• Corporate governance;

• Finance, auditing;

• Commercial, marketing and sponsorship;

• Sports and/or Golf administration;

• Senior level experience or knowledge of sporting systems.

Candidates must demonstrate in their application, evidence of:

• Board or similar experience in an organisation of commensurate size;
• Understanding of the not-for-profit, membership-based sports governing body sector;
• Be prepared to make a time commitment to their work commensurate with their role;
• Independence of thought and sound judgement;
• Integrity with strong ethical approach;
• Strong communications, interpersonal and relationship skills;
• An understanding of good governance practices and company regulation;
• Understanding of the importance of equality, inclusion and diversity in golf.

The role of individual members of the Board is to:

• Providing individual skills in key areas

• Offering strategic but not operational/executive direction

• Monitoring strategy of the organisation versus progress

• Ensuring the Board implements the objectives as set out in the Articles of Association

• Championing the organisation

• Providing creative contributions

• Providing constructive criticism and challenge

• Monitoring and oversight

• Providing insight into key areas

• Board Commitment

The role of Director is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel and subsistence may be claimed in accordance with Golf Ireland’s Volunteer Expenses Policy.

Meetings are generally held from Monday-Friday at Carton Demesne, Maynooth, Co. Kildare or via remote conference call. Meetings generally last for 2-3 hours and are held approximately six times per year.

Board members also sit on relevant National Sub-Committees based on their relevant skills set/interest. These committees typically meet once a quarter.

A further description of the Role of the Directors can be viewed here

Application Process

Applicants should ensure that the Cover Letter (and supporting CV) clearly specifies how the person’s particular background and experience meets the requirements outlined above. Please also identify any potential conflicts of interest that may potentially exist in your application letter. Golf Ireland operates a Code of Conduct and Conflicts of Interest register for all board members. Your submission should be made by email to board@golfireland.ie with your Curriculum Vitae and a cover letter outlining the specific expertise you would bring.

Closing date Thursday 29 January 2025 at 5pm.

Appointments will be assessed by the Golf Ireland Nominations Advisory Committee. Applicants should be prepared to meet and/or discuss their application and interest in the positions with any nominated members of the Committee if they deem this necessary. Please note, Golf Ireland is an inclusive organisation which supports and promotes equality and diversity and all applications will be assessed on this basis.