Young golfers to get support

Ryder Cup venue Gleneagles unveils new scholarship programme for aspiring youngsters

The Gleneagles Hotel, host venue of the 2014 Ryder Cup, has announced the launch of The Gleneagles Foundation, a 12-month scholarship programme for aspiring junior golfers.

Up to 15 lucky recipients will be selected by Gleneagles’ team of professionals to enter the foundation programme. Beneficiaries will receive a year’s worth of coaching and one-to-one tuition; free golf; access to the PGA National Academy practice facilities; consultations with personal trainers and the hotel’s ESPA Life team; support from Gleneagles’ partners in the form of equipment and attire; and invitations to exclusive events and clinics.

Bernard Murphy, Gleneagles’ managing director, commented: “People have been playing golf at Gleneagles for over 90 years and we have had the privilege of hosting some of the world’s greatest players over the decades. The Gleneagles Foundation is our way of giving something back to golf in Scotland, and acknowledging the support that the whole country gave to us when we hosted the Ryder Cup last year.

 “We are already keen supporters of ClubGolf, running group sessions as one of their development centres. The Foundation will allow us to take this to the next level for a select group of players.

“We hope that, in years to come, we will see some of the young people who graduate from The Foundation reach the very pinnacle of the sport.”

Gary Silcock, Gleneagles’ director of golf, added: “The young people who are selected to join The Gleneagles Foundation will be able to take advantage of the full range of Gleneagles’ golf facilities, from the very latest coaching equipment, to excellent practice facilities and advice from industry leaders. We won’t necessarily be selecting players in terms of who is best right now but on who has the most enthusiasm and potential. We want to help them be the very best players they can be, and hopefully have some fun at the same time.”

Golfers between the ages of eight and 18 of all abilities can apply by filling in an online application form. Gleneagles ‘scouts’ will also be attending various golfing events over the summer months.

Entries are now open, with recipients to be announced in September. To find out more, log-on to www.gleneagles.com/foundation

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