Monty, Lawrie and Matthew to help pick players eligible for transition cash

Published on Tuesday 9 March 2010 22:19

THE likely involvement of Colin Montgomerie, Paul Lawrie and Catriona Matthew in the body that will manage the new investment in Scottish golf will help ensure the right players are selected to receive support, according to Douglas Connon, the Scottish Golf Union chairman.

While it will no doubt be claimed that amateurs who come through the SGU and SLGA systems are likely to receive the bulk of the money up for grabs each year, Connon insists the net will be spread across the whole of Scottish golf and players already in the paid ranks will also be considered if Montgomerie, Lawrie or Lambert support their case.

"The main job of the board is to manage the resources and, below that, there has to be involvement from bodies such as the PGA and SPGA," noted Connon. "It's not just amateurs, men or women. It's people who've perhaps already turned professional and are in a position where they need a leg up."

The board, which is yet to meet, will be chaired by Graeme Simmers, a former chair of sportscotland, and, in addition to Bernard Gallacher, will comprise of Louise Martin, the current chair of sportscotland, its chief executive officer Stewart Harris, the SGU's chief executive officer Hamish Grey and his SLGA counterpart, Shona Malcolm. One other person could be added.

"The problem with getting professional golf advisers is their time," said Connon. "Because they play into their 50s between main and Senior Tour, it is trying to get someone who can devote the time to this sort of thing.

"In many respects, Bernard was a bit of a shoe-in because, not withstanding the fact he's has agreed to do it, he has the time and also the necessary experience. He's still in touch with what's going on today in terms of the Tour.

"As for the chairman, sportscotland is leading on this and collectively we needed someone with the necessary experience, hence the appointment of Graeme.

"There will also be an advisory board or committee and Paul, Colin and Catriona have all agreed to be supportive in that, though clearly Colin has got other things on his mind this year. I'd imagine they'll be advising as to whether there is a chance here, whether this is the right person.

"Our most recent history is littered with young talent that has not made it for one reason or another and that seems to me to be a bit wasteful."

While the sportscotland money becomes available at the end of this month, it is likely to be towards the end of the year before the first recipients are identified.

Ross Kellett, currently Scotland's highest-ranked player in the amateur world rankings, could be in the frame if he manages to secure at least a Challenge Tour card at the end of the year, while the likes of rookie pros Paul O'Hara, Carly Booth and Kylie Walker might also receive support depending on how they fare this year.