Golf: Kay looks for head start in South Africa

DUNBAR’S Danny Kay is hoping some work with a top sports psychologist will pay dividends in this week’s South African Stroke-Play Championship.

The 20-year-old, who reached the final of last year’s Scottish Amateur, had a session with Dr Richard Cox, who works for the Scottish Institute of Sport, early on in the SGU senior squad’s current eight-week trip to South Africa.

“I spent a morning with Dr Cox working on my putting, trying to improve my feel,” said Kay.

“The intensive work I’ve done with him has really benefited my game and I’ve definitely taken a lot from the time spent with him.”

Kay finished in the top 40 in the squad’s first event of the trip – the Gauteng North Open – and is now looking to build on that in the South African Stroke-Play, which teed off today at Glendower.

“I struggled with my ball-striking a little in our first tournament so I’ve spent time on the range working on my swing, going through drills and different practise routines,” he added.

“My coach, Colin Brooks, and Ian Rae, the national coach, have been working together so at all times I’ve somebody to refer to when working on my technique.”

Kay is enjoying the trip, which also included a visit to Johannesburg Country Club, where the Scottish squad members played with players from the Gary Player Foundation.

“This was a great opportunity to give a little back,” said Kay. “It was a great experience and another key part of this trip.

“Overall, it has been tremendous and all the lads really appreciate the opportunity being given to improve our games and to have the use of such great facilities.”