16/03/11
Four of Scotland’s most promising young golfers, Callum Macaulay (Tulliallan), Krystle Caithness (St Andrews), Gavin Dear (Murrayshall) and Kylie Walker (The Carrick on Loch Lomond) were today (Wednesday 16 March) announced by Scottish Golf Support Limited as the first recipients to benefit from a share of a £1m funding package to be invested over the next five years to help promising young Scottish golfers realise their talent and ambitions in professional golf.
The four, who all excelled at the amateur level, become the first to receive around £25,000 each in tailored support from Scottish Golf Support Limited, the group established last year and harnessing the combined expertise of sportscotland, the Scottish Golf Union, Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association and the Professional Golfers’ Association.
Today’s announcement will ensure the four aspiring golfing greats have access to some of the nation’s best coaches and sport science support.
Graeme Simmers, Chairman of Scottish Golf Support Limited welcomed the boost that the four players will receive through the new programme:
“I am delighted to announce our support of Krystle, Kylie, Callum and Gavin, all of whom have fantastic potential to become leading players on their respective professional Tours.”
He added: “They have already demonstrated their capability and with the additional support will be well equipped to fulfil their ambitions.”
The four golfers each meet the minimum requirements of having full playing rights on the European Challenge Tour or Ladies European Tour and having been professional for two full seasons or less.
Macaulay, whose 2011 Challenge Tour campaign got underway with an eleventh place finish in India earlier this season, expressed his delight at being selected:
“It’s fantastic to be one of the first players to receive support from the new programme and hopefully I can repay the Scottish golfing public with some good performances and regain my European Tour card,” said the Tulliallan golfer.
“I’ve already benefitted from being with the Scotland Men’s Elite Squad out in South Africa and it’s also good to put something back into the game by helping the younger players coming through with the advice I was able to give them.”
Sports Minister Shona Robison said: "Golf is a big part of Scotland’s culture, identity and economy and we are committed to be developing and supporting fresh young talent.
“These talented young people are an inspiration to others and this extra support will hopefully see them excel even more. I am proud that we have such dedicated young players flying the flag for the home of golf.
"Our national coaches have enjoyed tremendous success of late and our work to introduce golf to every child through clubgolf has produced some fantastic results. With the 2014 Ryder Cup in Scotland, encouraging our youngsters to participate in the sport will hopefully see more talented young Scots hitting the professional circuit.”
The move to proactively support young Scottish talent in the all important transition into the professional ranks was welcomed by both the European Tour and Ladies’ European Tour.
George O’Grady, Chief Executive of the European Tour said, “The European Tour support all initiatives designed to further develop the game by encouraging the emergence of young talent, and we look forward to watching the progress of all young players in Scotland.”
Alexandra Armas, Executive Director of the Ladies European Tour commented, “By offering the players funding and services, they are giving the players the opportunity to realise their full potential, enabling participation and encouraging sporting excellence in the international arena.”