New Aberdeen deal for SGU & SLGA

Global investment group enhances backing of Scottish amateur golf

Aberdeen Asset Management, the global investment group, is to continue its fantastic support of the Scottish Golf Union and the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association after announcing a new two-year dual extension of its sponsorship of the respective national squads.

The investment takes Aberdeen Asset Management’s partnership with the SGU to seven years, having begun its support of the men’s elite squad and academy back in 2007, coupled with its sponsorship of Scotland’s leading female amateurs which commenced in 2010.

Scotland players competing at boys’ and men’s level will continue to wear the Aberdeen Asset Management logo on their national team apparel and golf bags, as will the SLGA’s girls’ and ladies’ squads.

The deal – until 2013 – again strengthens Aberdeen Asset Management’s commitment to golf in Scotland. In addition to the investment in the amateur game, Aberdeen also sponsors a number of leading Scottish tour professionals, including former Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie, ex-Open champions Paul Lawrie and Sandy Lyle, Scotland’s leading female golfer, Catriona Matthew, and Michael Stewart, the SGU ‘Golfer of the Year’ in 2011 who recently turned professional. Their events sponsorship portfolio also includes the Ladies Scottish Open and the Northern Open.

Matthew, representing Europe, and Stewart, playing for Great Britain & Ireland, helped secure the Solheim Cup and Walker Cup for their respective teams in 2011 and they were delighted to be reunited with the silverware as the sponsorship announcement was made at Aberdeen Asset Management’s office overlooking Edinburgh Castle.

Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Management, said: “We are very proud to support Scotland’s national amateur squads and delighted to see the progress many of the players have made since we began our sponsorship back in 2007. It’s vital for Scottish golf that these young players are given the best opportunities to develop their games.”

“Aberdeen Asset Management is committed to helping Scottish golfers perform at the highest level, from our leading amateurs to our top professionals and keeping our profile as the home of golf within the global game,” he added.

Matthew, who played a pivotal role in helping Europe regain the Solheim Cup for the first time since 2003 after a dramatic final-day victory over the USA at Killeen Castle, Dublin, also expressed her delight at the sponsorship extension.

Speaking at the announcement, Matthew said: “It’s fantastic that Aberdeen Asset Management has renewed its sponsorship with the SGU and SLGA.

“It is a great supporter of both amateur and professional golf in Scotland. I am sure that with its help amateur golfers will have more opportunities to take their games to the next level.”

Michael Stewart, part of the winning Walker Cup side at Royal Aberdeen, was also in attendance to announce the two-year sponsorship extension, having benefited hugely from Aberdeen Asset Management’s support during a distinguished amateur career.

The Troon professional said: “During my time as an amateur, I received great support from Aberdeen Asset Management, giving me great opportunities such as warm weather training, working with its sponsored professionals and gaining experience off the course.

“It’s brilliant news for the current male and female squads that such support is going to continue for another two years. I’m sure the players will benefit hugely from Aberdeen Asset Management’s backing.”

Less than a week after Paul Lawrie’s Foundation were announced as title sponsors for the 2012 Scottish Boys Championship in an historic deal for the SGU, Aberdeen Asset Management’s continued backing again reflects the SGU’s growing sponsorship portfolio.