Golf: Stoddart gets plaudits for pioneering golf programme

EDINBURGH man Iain Stoddart was praised today for his key role in creating a pioneering new support programme in Scottish golf.

European Tour chief George O'Grady hailed the setting up of "Team Scottish Hydro" as it was launched yesterday at Edinburgh Castle.

And he said the man who deserved much of the praise for the initiative was Stoddart, a founding partner of Capital-based Bounce Sports Marketing.

"For three years Iain has driven us mad with this but we are all now in his debt," declared O'Grady. "Iain and his company deserve the highest praise for their hard work in devising the innovative concept of 'Team Scottish Hydro'. It should help to produce a new generation of Scottish champions on the European Tour in the future."

Lothians-based Jamie McLeary has been chosen along with Gavin Dear, Chris Doak, Craig Lee and Callum Macaulay as the "Team Scottish Hydro" members for 2011.

They will get their tournament-related expenses on the Challenge Tour reimbursed and also receive other strategic support aimed at helping them concentrate on playing golf.

"A lot of people know that we have championed this type of model for a while and I would like to thank Scottish Hydro for their vision and commitment," said Stoddart.

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