Mark Darbon, the new chief executive of the R&A, is a mere 45, younger than the author of the article who is 48. This sudden realization made the author question his nonchalance towards aging and the expectations of age in certain roles. Darbon comes with an impressive background, having held key roles in the London Olympic and Paralympic Games and serving as CEO of the Northampton Saints Premiership rugby club. Despite being wanted by the Scottish Rugby Union as their head honcho, Darbon chose to take on the leadership position at the R&A, a world that may seem too young for at the age of 45.
With the departure of Martin Slumbers, the current CEO of the R&A, in November, Darbon will have big shoes to fill. Slumbers, during his tenure, promoted innovation and inclusiveness within the organization, transforming it into a more progressive and modern entity. The R&A has embraced change and engagement with new audiences, as demonstrated by their partnership with a gaming studio to create a new virtual golf experience on Roblox. Slumbers led initiatives such as the merger of the R&A and Ladies Golf Union, modernizing the rules of golf, and implementing the World Handicapping System.
Darbon will take over the leadership of the R&A at a time of ongoing tumult in the men’s professional golf scene and changes in leadership within various golf governing bodies. The author acknowledges that there will be challenges ahead for Darbon, especially with the contentious issue of the distance insights project and the opposition from the PGA Tour and PGA of America towards rolling back the golf ball. However, Darbon’s dynamic and driven personality may be well-suited to navigate the evolving landscape of golf administration.
Despite the challenges that lie ahead, Darbon has a strong foundation to build upon, given Slumbers’ accomplishments during his tenure. Slumbers has championed disabled golf, supported the growth of the AIG Women’s Open, and embraced community-based initiatives such as the Golf It facility in Glasgow. Darbon will have the opportunity to continue this legacy of innovation and engagement within the R&A, a governing body that has shifted from being stuffy and austere to becoming more forward-thinking and inclusive.
As Darbon prepares to take over the leadership of the R&A, the author reflects on his own perception of age and aging in comparison to the expectations of certain roles. The world of golf administration, once seen as a domain for older individuals, is now being led by a younger and more dynamic figure. This shift reflects the changing landscape of golf and the need for innovation and engagement to attract new audiences. Darbon’s appointment marks a new chapter for the R&A, and it will be interesting to see how he navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the world of golf administration.
