Guidance role excites Gallacher

Ryder Cup winner appointed to new performance post with Scottish Golf

Ryder Cup winner Stephen Gallacher is to lend his expertise to Scottish Golf in a new Performance role, as the national men’s team eye a historic European hat-trick.

Gallacher, a three-time champion on the European Tour and a member of Europe’s winning Ryder Cup team at Gleneagles in 2014, has joined Scottish Golf’s Performance Committee as he seeks to help guide the nation’s leading amateurs with valuable support and advice.

The 42-year-old, who enjoyed a decorated amateur career including winning the Scottish and European Amateur, has joined Catriona Matthew, the nation’s most successful female golfer, on the committee.

Dean Robertson, high performance golf coach at Stirling University, also sits on the committee, with Andrew Coltart coming off it due to new work commitments.

Gallacher, who runs his own successful junior foundation, said: “I look forward to helping Scottish Golf in this performance role, fitting in alongside my full-time golf commitments. Having met the new CEO of Scottish Golf, Blane Dodds, I’m keen to work together to help develop golf in Scotland.

“I’m a passionate supporter of the game at all levels in Scotland and take great interest in the development of players from a young age to the leading amateur level. If you get used to winning regularly as an amateur, you’ll have a better chance of making it as professional, and hopefully I can provide advice, help and assistance to support players.”

Scotland’s men’s side will seek to deliver more success in Austria next month, when they tee up chasing a hat-trick of European Amateur Team titles for the first time.

Only England have won the championship three times in a row, from 1969-73, before the event moved annually in 2007.

At the Diamond Golf Resort from July 11 to 15, Ian Rae’s side will feature three winners from last year’s triumphant team, including Drumoig’s Connor Syme.

“We have a strong team and I’m excited for our chances,” said Rae, national head coach.

“We have three players from last year’s winning team, with Connor also part of the victorious 2015 team in Sweden. There have been some great performances from all the players this season and hopefully we can combine again to retain the title and achieve history.”

Scottish Boys’ Open champion John Paterson from St Andrews will be in the European Boys’ Team Championship at La Manga in Spain.

“It’s also a strong team and there is no reason why they can’t do well,” added Rae.

The Scottish Golf National Squads are sponsored by Aberdeen Asset Management and supported by sportscotland.

Getty. Stephen Gallacher is a ‘passionate supporter’ of golf.