James McGhee heading for heights thanks to AWG deal

JAMES McGHEE is hoping to take his game to a new level on the Alps Tour and is ready to scale the heights helped by some welcome backing from an Edinburgh company.

The Duddingston player has struck up a partnership with AWG Property, the head tenant of Kilpatrick House, which is located at Hamilton International Technology Park.

It came about after McGhee approached AWG Property last year seeking sponsorship to play on both the Alps Tour and closer to home on the Tartan Tour.

"We are really pleased to be working alongside James at such an important stage in his career," said AWG Property's marketing manager Angela McCabe.

"We understand how difficult the current climate is at the moment whether you are a golfer or trying to market an office building.

"Which is why we genuinely believe that supporting James and Scottish sport in this way will generate more awareness of Kilpatrick House than traditional advertising options.

"We are really looking forward to working with James, I'm sure it will be a success for both parties."

McGhee, who came through the ranks at Duddingston as a junior, was attached to Turnhouse for a spell as he did his PGA training.

He's currently working at Bishopbriggs Golf Range but is desperate to get more of the opportunities he experienced playing against European Tour and Challenge Tour players in last week's Paul Lawrie Invitational in Aberdeen.

"I am extremely grateful to AWG Property for pledging their support to me this season," he said. "I am excited to be representing Kilpatrick House throughout all my tour events and I will do all that I can to promote the brand at different opportunities.

"I'm attached to Duddingston but work through at Bishopbriggs Golf Range at the moment, doing a bit of teaching and also working in the shop.

"I've got a category for the Alps Tour but need to save some money to play on it.

"Outwith the Scottish PGA Championship and the Northern Open, there aren't really any other 54-hole or 72-hole events for players like myself.

"That's why events like the Paul Lawrie Invitational are fantastic, it's just unfortunate that the current climate is making life so difficult for everyone.

"There were five-ten people in the field last week who are good enough to be playing at a higher level. They've got the desire and just need to be given a break. I want to give myself the opportunity to play full-time and prepare properly for events.

"Lacking tournament sharpness is biting me massively at the moment but, if you believe in something enough, you can make it happen."

On being back at Duddingston, he added: "I was a junior there and (club captain] Gavin Clark and (secretary] Duncan Ireland were great when I said that I needed somewhere to play. The course is really good at the moment.""I want to play full-time .?.?. if you believe in something enough, you can make it happen"