Martin Slumbers, Chair of Lancing College and the Chief Executive of The R&A and Secretary of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club, has been appointed an OBE for his services to Golf in HM The King’s Birthday Honours List for his services to golf.
Mr Slumbers joined the Governing Body in 2008 and was appointed Chair in 2019. Formerly a pupil at the College (Field’s House 1973-1978), Mr Slumbers held leadership roles as Head of House and Prefect during his time as a pupil. He represented Lancing in Athletics, Cross Country and Squash, before reading Mathematics at Birmingham University.
Currently, as well as Chair of Governors at Lancing, Mr Slumbers is CEO of The Royal & Ancient since 2015 and has brought his extensive global business experience and a passion for golf to the organisation. He has led The R&A as the global governing body of golf around the world (outside the US and Mexico) and, as Secretary of the iconic golf club, which dates from 1754, he has supported its committees in serving its international membership.
“Golf has been a huge part of my life and has been extremely good to me over many years,” he said. “When I took up the role at The R&A in 2015 I was motivated to give something back to the game I love. I discovered a real passion for our sport and a desire to increase its popularity and appeal. To be recognised in this way for that is truly humbling and I would like to record my appreciation for the hugely talented and professional team of colleagues at The R&A who have supported me over the last decade. It really has been a wonderful experience that I will treasure for the rest of my life.”
Commenting on this appointment, Mr Dominic Oliver, Head Master said
Mr Slumbers is celebrated in one of the photographs hanging with 27 others to recognise leadership in our 175th Anniversary Portraits exhibition in the Dining Hall. He is highly regarded across the College and we are all hugely proud that he has been publicly acknowledged through this award. The entire community of staff, pupils, OLs and parents joins me in sending our congratulations.
