Former Hockey Wales Chief Executive Ria Burrage-Male has been appointed to join the Board of Wales Golf as a non-executive director focussing on development.

A keen golfer, who rekindled her love of the game through joining a New2Golf scheme, Burrage-Male is also a former Wales hockey international with 35 caps, and playing in the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The 43-year-old can bring a unique perspective to the role, with a Masters in Sports Leadership, running her own businesses including founding KIBO, a leadership coaching company, and Captains Clubhouse, a new platform for team leaders in sport.

Her role as Hockey Wales Chief Executive brought her into contact with Wales Golf Chief Executive Hannah McAllister, while joining Pontypridd Golf Club through New2Golf which also helped make this a natural move.

“I had played golf with my Dad when I was young, and then some friends suggested I come back to play through New2Golf,” said Burrage-Male.

“New2Golf was good because a friend joined and then I had the chance to see the course, it was not expensive and it was a great transition.

“I have known Hannah since being Chief Executive of Hockey Wales and she said I should put my name in the hat for this role.

“I am really excited because I have been doing some work to get more women and girls playing golf and I feel I can contribute in this area; I am not very good at saying no and there does seem to be some synergy from what I have done to be able to help out and provide some support to the team.”

Burrage-Male has an excellent background to contribute in a variety of ways. “I was a PE teacher then worked for the Cardiff City Foundation, became Chief Executive of Hockey Wales, but then went travelling before setting up KIBO,” she explained.

“I have been involved in Cymru Women Sport, an organisation supporting women and girls across Wales.

“There is something about breaking down the traditional mindset about golf, some of the barriers stopping people from taking up the game, so that is an exciting thing to do.

“It is amazing to be able to build on the back of hosting the AIG Women’s Open in Porthcawl, having that quality of women golfers competing on our doorstep.

“There are some amazing female Welsh golfers, and we should be putting them front and centre.

“You can play golf any way you want to play, it is not too structured in that sense, not just 18 holes, we can spread the message how much fun it can be.”

Wales Golf chair Rob Holt welcomed Burrage-Male, adding, “Ria has a lot to give to Wales Golf in this position, and we are delighted to have her on the board.

“Golf is a sport for life which dovetails well for people who have also played another sport, and it is important to tap into that knowledge to break down any barriers that discourage people from getting involved.

“Ria has a big contribution to make, and we are already gaining from her expertise in a variety of ways.”

The Wales Golf Board works with the executive team, overseeing strategy for development, governance and performance.

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