High-profile golf chance for players
Two leading golf foundations have teamed-up to give Scotland’s young golfers a chance to play in a highprofile ranking event.
The Barrie Douglas and Stephen Gallacher Foundations recently confirmed the 2021 Scottish Junior Masters will take place at Strathmore Golf Centre near Alyth 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-year-old 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.
“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,”he said.
“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.
“After the success of the initial tournaments 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 allowed.
“There is no doubting the appetite for competitive golf among youngsters and once again the team at Strathmore Golf Centre have been very supportive.”
The first two Junior Masters events at Blairgowrie and Strathmore enjoyed sponsorship from Tayside law firm Blackadders and various Scottish businesses.
“We are mindful of the challenges businesses are facing because of the pandemic but we have a limited range of sponsorship opportunities available for this year’s tournament,” said Spencer.
The entry fee for the three-day May tournament has been pegged at £60, including lunch vouchers and range balls.
The field will be capped at 36 U18 girls and the same number of competitors for the boys U18 and U16 championships.
For full entry and handicap details, see www.sgfoundation.co.uk