Martin Dempster: Bid to improve School report

HERE we go again. A fortnight in to the latest European Tour Qualifying School campaign and the Scottish report card is far from encouraging, as was the case last year, when we drew a blank in the card scramble.
Lloyd Saltman. Picture: Ian RutherfordLloyd Saltman. Picture: Ian Rutherford
Lloyd Saltman. Picture: Ian Rutherford

Excused from this depressing update on the annual 14-round slog to gain a status on either the European Tour or Challenge Tour are Mark Hillson, Neil Henderson, Daniel Young, Bradley Neil and Michael Stewart. They are all still in the hunt after being among the qualifiers at first-stage events.

But the fact the dream has already died – at least for another year – for more than 20 other Scots, including James Byrne, Chris Robb, Grant Forrest, Elliot and Lloyd Saltman and Kris Nicol, is damning evidence in the argument that something clearly isn’t right about the Scottish system.

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For whatever reason, we have lost the knack of having players that are ready to step up to the plate in the paid ranks. The ones who come out of the amateur game on a high either lose confidence or belief, and something needs to be done to buck this growing trend.

Let’s get Byrne’s thoughts. Let’s hear what Lloyd Saltman, our great hope not so long ago, has to say. Let’s talk so we can do better in a year’s time.

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