Gallacher to support next generation

Ryder cup winner Stephen Gallacher is to lend his expertise to Scottish Golf in a new Performance role, writes Ed Hodge.

Gallacher, a three-time champion on the European Tour and a member of Europe’s winning Ryder Cup team at Gleneagles in 2014, has joined Scottish Golf’s Performance Committee as he seeks to help guide the nation’s leading amateurs with valuable support and advice.

The 42-year-old, who enjoyed a decorated amateur career including winning the Scottish and European Amateur, has joined Catriona Matthew, the nation’s most successful female golfer, on the committee, as Scottish Golf continues to look to tap into the knowledge of the country’s most experienced professionals.

Dean Robertson, High Performance Golf Coach at the University of Stirling, also sits on the committee, with Andrew Coltart coming off due to new work commitments.

The announcement builds on Scottish Golf recently joining forces with Aberdeen Asset Management, SSE Scottish Hydro and Bounce Sports Management in a move designed to help ease am-to-pro transition for young players through financial and management support.

Gallacher, who runs his own successful junior foundation, said: “I look forward to helping Scottish Golf in this Performance role, fitting in alongside my full-time golf commitments. Having met Blane Dodds, I’m keen to work together to help develop golf in Scotland. 

“I’m a passionate supporter of the game at all levels in Scotland and take great interest in the development of players from a young age to the leading amateur level. If you get used to winning regularly as an amateur, you’ll have a better chance of making it as a professional, and hopefully I can provide advice, help and assistance to support players.”

Scottish Golf CEO Blane Dodds added: “Stephen is one of the most passionate and respected players in European golf and we’re delighted he has agreed to join our Performance Committee. It is vital we work together in golf in Scotland to succeed and having Stephen help in that process can only be hugely beneficial to us.

“Stephen will bring valuable knowledge and experience to our programmes, as we focus on supporting our best male and female players to compete at the top of the amateur game and beyond.”

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