Golf foundations join forces to get young players back in action

Two leading golf foundations have teamed up to give Scotland’s young golfers a chance to play in a high-profile ranking event.

The Barrie Douglas and Stephen Gallacher Foundations have confirmed the 2021 Scottish Junior Masters will take place at Perthshire’s Strathmore Golf Centre from May 28-30.

The 54-hole championship will be open to more than 100 boys and girls, with another 18 spots reserved by the tournament committee.

While last year’s tournament was cancelled due to the pandemic, the foundations were determined to give youngsters an opportunity to play for World Amateur Golf Ranking points this year.

The Barrie Douglas Foundation was set up in memory of the 69-yearold Perth businessman and Blairgowrie Golf Club member, who died four years ago while leading the Scottish Golf’s European Boys’ team at an event in Spain.

A spokesman for the foundation established by Ryder Cup star Gallacher welcomed the joint approach to this year’s event. He said: “Barrie was one of the most popular figures across Scottish amateur golf in his roles as a boys’ team captain and GB&I selector for the R&A.

“His infectious enthusiasm and love for the sport rubbed off on so many down the years.

“The Stephen Gallacher Foundation is honoured to help and support the Scottish Junior Masters which was created in his memory. We are sure the event will continue to go from strength to strength in years to come.”

Scottish Golf performance coach and Barrie Douglas Foundation trustee Spencer Henderson echoed those sentiments.

“Foundations like ours and those created by Paul Lawrie and Stephen Gallacher, along with Paul Gibson and the Junior Tour Scotland are determined to help nurture young Scottish golfing talent,” he said.

“Unfortunately, last summer’s tournament fell victim to the pandemic, but we were determined to press ahead with this year’s event as and when Government protocols allow.

“There is no doubting the appetite for competitive golf among youngsters and once again the team at Strathmore Golf Centre have been very supportive.”

Entry fee for the threeday May tournament has been pegged at £60.

For full details, see sgfoundation.co.uk