Stirling's scholarships may help put Scottish golf back where it belongs

JUST LAST week, the doom and gloom that has long hung over almost every aspect of Scottish golf was underlined yet again.

In some quarters, the fact that two of our leading professionals managed to finish in the top ten of a European Tour event was apparently seen as an excuse for almost hysterical celebration. Changed days indeed from the times, not so very long ago, when the likes of Colin Montgomerie, Sam Torrance and Sandy Lyle were actually winning things like majors, Orders of Merit and Ryder Cups. Now, it seems, finishing fifth represents success. Give me a break.

Still, all is not completely lost. Amidst the darkness, there is light in the shape of the University of Stirling and its now long-established sports scholarship programme. On the go since 1981, the recently titled "University of Scottish Sporting Excellence" – which caters for athletes in six different disciplines – has a record of success in golf that more than justifies the approximately 2 million that has been used to support more than 220 promising youngsters over the past 29 years.

"Our programme currently supports 15 male golf scholarship students per annum, as well as five females," says sports performance manager Raleigh Gowrie. "Each has a value of 5,500 per annum, which covers both academic and sports related costs – accommodation, coaching, winter training camps abroad, sports science support, clothing and equipment. And every student has the flexibility to extend his or her degree by a year.

"To even be considered for awards, male golfers need a handicap of scratch or better; females need to be off four or better. That shows how much the programme has kicked on from its early days."

The golfers also have access to swing coaches, a sports psychologist and, of course, their own practice facilities all on the university campus, as well as regular opportunities to play up the road at Gleneagles, venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup.

"It has been a great experience for me, combining my golf with my studies," says 23-year-old Irishwoman Rachel Cassidy, who will graduate this summer with a degree in psychology and sport studies. "I've been able to play in big events and go to places I would never have had the opportunity to visit if not for the scholarship programme. Every January, for example, I've taken advantage of our long Christmas break and played on the Orange Blossom circuit in Florida."

As you'd expect, Stirling has long been the dominant force in British university golf, but some of those who have attended classes on the picturesque Airthrey campus that sits below the Wallace Monument have gone far beyond that level of play since graduation. Amongst the more famous alumni are British Women's Open champion Catriona Matthew and Walker Cup players Colin Dalgleish, Gordon Sherry, Richie Ramsay and Gavin Dear, with Ramsay, of course, the current South African Open champion. And, at a much more humble level, one relatively anonymous graduate of the programme has gone on to become this newspaper's golf correspondent. So there's hope for everyone, even those with dodgy wedge games.

The current crop of scholars aren't doing too badly either; only last week Kelsey MacDonald was crowned Scottish ladies champion, James White was a member of the Scottish side at last year's Home Internationals and 19-year-old freshman Patrick Spraggs will represent Europe against the US in the Palmer Cup at Royal Portrush later this summer.

Perhaps significantly, however, the Stirling experience isn't all about golf.

"The most important thing for us is the individual," points out Gowrie. "We are hoping that each one succeeds in four ways: one, that they get a good quality degree. That is the most significant thing at Stirling. There is no compromise when it comes to academic studies.

"Two, we hope that they fulfil their potential in golf or at least move towards that goal, whether it be simply a reduction of their handicaps or elevation of status or selection for international teams.

"Three, we want them to maintain their involvement in golf after they graduate. That can be done by their continuing to play at a high-performance level, or through them giving back to the game through administration, or even journalism! There is a host of people who fall into that category. They may not be playing at the very highest level of the amateur game, but they are contributing in many other ways. Former Walker Cup captain Colin Dalgleish is a perfect example of that.

"Four, we want people to leave Stirling as good, self-disciplined autonomous individuals who will have gone through an experience that has helped them become better all-round human beings."

All of which the Scottish Golf Union and Professional Golfers' Association might do well to remember as they sit down to amicably (!) discuss the all-important transition period that has seen so many of our leading amateurs fall so quickly by the wayside once they are part of the professional ranks.

"Our mission is to help young people get to where they want to be," reiterates Gowrie. "If a young person wants to be a tour player and has the potential to achieve that aim, then the University of Stirling does not compromise that.

"However, I do believe that our scholarship programme also acts as a fantastic stepping stone that can help bridge the amateur-to-professional gap for those who need further support, development and nurturing to get them to the next level. I know the SGU is examining that stage with the PGA and looking into setting up a financial support programme that will help leading amateurs during their transition into professional golf. And that is a great step forward.

"We are more interested by-standers to that. We don't have direct involvement in the SGU's pathway. But that is appropriate. The university is an independent operator. Which is not to say that our scholarship programme will not complement any performance pathway being set up. That's the message here: the more pathways talented golfers have in which to flourish, the better. We are simply one of those."

Now, if only the aforementioned SGU and PGA could find it within themselves to each get past their own pathetic self-interest and display similar levels of savvy and maturity, we, the citizens of this proud golfing nation, might in time find ourselves a whole lot less impressed by top-ten finishes at even the highest level. On that, however, it is probably best not to hold one's breath too long.