Robertson hails the benefits of Gulf golf

THE all-conquering Stirling University golf team has joined the growing trend of training trips to Abu Dhabi to prepare for the new season.

Led by head performance coach Dean Robertson, a group that includes Scottish international Graeme Robertson and Jack McDonald, a former Scottish Boys’ Stroke-play champion, is out in the United Arab Emirates at the moment playing and practising.

“The performance golf training has been intense and, on Sunday, we did a Tour performance observation day at the final round of the HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship,” said Robertson, a former Italian Open champion.

“On Monday we played a UAE Golf Federation amateur and pro select which involved 14-man teams and, to finish off this weekend, we are playing in the Yas Links Open Amateur Championship.”

Bobby Rushford, conqueror of Michael Stewart in last year’s Scottish Amateur Championship, is also on the trip, as are Battle Trophy winner Zander Culverwell and Angus Carrick, the son of former Walker Cup player David.

“Dr John Mathers and I are working very well together,” added Robertson, who took great delight in seeing Stirling crowned as Scottish, British and European champions last year.

“We are based at Al Ain Golf Club. Fraser McLaughlan is the head professional and the practice facilites are the best I have ever experienced in all my years as a tournament professional.”

Another Stirling student out in Abu Dhabi at the moment is Curtis Cup hopeful Kelsey MacDonald, who has headed to the UAE in a bid to find her form after feeling she under-performed on the recent Orange Blossom Tour in Florida.

“I was so disappointed with my performance in the States, where I just didn’t gel with my new clubs, so I am out here with (fellow GB&I preliminary squad member) Amy Boulden practising hard in fantastic facilities with great weather to sharpen up my game for the demanding season ahead,” said MacDonald.

“I went to the Abu Dhabi Championship at the weekend and it was totally inspirational for me to see the game played at such a level. It was a real motivator for me to work hard in order to prove my worth and secure my Curtis Cup place.”

Meanwhile, Paul Shields is hoping to build on his career-best 61 in the Gauteng North Open when the Scottish squad compete in their second South African event next week.

The Kirkhill player, who eventually finished sixth at Pecanwood, trimmed four shots off his previous lowest score and is now looking forward to next week’s South African Stroke-play at Glendower. “A win is the aim (on the trip) and I am swinging it nice,” said Shields, who lost to Stewart in last year’s South African Amateur final.