Two of Scotland’s most successful golfers, Paul Lawrie and Catriona Matthew, are to help deliver the next generation of golf champions as they begin a mentoring programme with the country’s top young talent.
Both players will also contribute to a broad review into the structure of Scottish Golf’s performance programmes and player pathway. The review, which will be conducted over the winter and in collaboration with a range of other key external stakeholders, will aim to further develop and improve the output of Scottish Golf’s performance programmes and ensure resources are being allocated in the most appropriate and effective manner.
Karin Sharp, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Golf, said: “It is very exciting to have Catriona and Paul on board, and we are very much looking forward to working with them in a number of different capcities in the coming weeks and months. I can’t think of anyone more appropriate to help us further develop our performance programmes than two of Scotland’s most successful golfers. I have no doubt that the expertise and experience Catriona and Paul will bring to the table will be enormously valuable.
“Moving forward, it is vital that we are getting the right support to the right players at the right time and I’m certain that this new partnership will help us do just that.”
Lawrie was the last Scottish golfer to win The Open, triumphing at Carnoustie in 1999 with a memorable victory. Matthew was the last Scot to win the Women’s British Open, when she claimed success at Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2009. She famously secured the title just 11 weeks after giving birth to her second daughter.
Matthew said: “I can’t wait to get started in this role and I’m incredibly excited about the challenges and opportunites that lie ahead. The game has given me so much over the years and I hope that by sharing my experience, and mentoring the next generation, I can give something back.
“I look forward to contributing to the review in any way that I can. There is a wealth of potential golf talent in Scotland and anything we can do to help identify and nurture that talent will hopefully help more Scottish golfers find success at the elite level.”
Lawrie said: “Over the years I have been very proud of the work my foundation has done in Scotland, helping players like David Law come through and win on Tour. I am now looking forward to working with Scottish Golf to help mentor and develop some of the country’s top up and coming players.
“By working together and utilising all of the golfing experience we have in this country, we can help our talented young golfers achieve their goals. However, it is equally important to look to the longer term and ensure our best golfers continue to get the support that they need as the sport itself changes and develops.”