Golf scholars getting the full package, says Andrew Coltart

He's smart enough these days, though, to know the University of Stirling golf programme, currently being delivered by Dean Robertson, is providing a perfect opportunity for young players to learn the full package when it comes to the modern-day game.

"I must confess I wasn't academically talented enough to get a University scholarship, so I decided to take advantage of an opportunity to go to America and that was really because of the weather. That was at a time when the only way you could be perceived to be improving was by hitting 10,000 balls a day," said Coltart.

"There is a lot more to a golfer's development nowadays, like the sports psychology and the fitness training, which I know the Stirling programme provides. The weather isn't so much of a factor and lately I've spent more time in the gym than just hitting golf balls."

Coltart was speaking during a visit to the Stirling University campus to get a taste of a programme which, in the past, has produced players like Catriona Matthew, Gordon Sherry and, more recently, Richie Ramsay.

Robertson took over the programme last year after Gordon Niven moved on to pastures new and Coltart admits he is impressed with the opportunities being afforded to the current golf scholars, including Scottish women's champion Kelsey MacDonald and David Booth.

"Dean (Robertson] knows what he is talking about and the players stand to gain a lot from him," said Coltart. "He has the experience of having played at the sharp end, having scaled the heights and played against the best. All his coaching is based upon his own experiences; it's not just reading from a manual.

"I am really impressed with the programme and with the amount of effort the guys and girls put into both their golf and their studies."