Record deals for amateurs

SCOTTISH amateur golf is set to enjoy record sponsorship this year after Aberdeen Asset Management extended its backing of both the SGU and SLGA national squads by a further two years.

It takes the company’s support of the SGU to seven years, three more than the SLGA, and strengthens its commitment to the Scottish game, which also includes backing for Paul Lawrie, Colin Montgomerie, Sandy Lyle and Catriona Matthew.

“Aberdeen Asset Management is committed to helping Scottish golfers perform at the highest level from our leading amateurs to our top professionals,” said chief executive Martin Gilbert.

Matthew added: “The support they have given Scottish golf is huge and there are no excuses for Scottish golf not to improve.”

SGU marketing manager Ross Duncan said total sponsorship brought in this season, both in cash and in kind, will be in excess of £500,000.

Meanwhile, a new ‘Player of the Year’ category is being introduced at this year’s Annodate Scottish Golf Awards in Glasgow on 23 March.