Scots pros to aid amateurs in new ‘buddy’ initiative

Scotland’s top young professionals have embraced a new ‘buddy’ initiative aimed at supporting the next wave of talent to come from the country.

The exciting one-to-one support system, devised by the Stephen Gallacher Foundation in tandem with Bounce Sport Management, involves a professional taking an amateur under their wing, playing the occasional game together and always being on hand to offer advice.

The initiative, which is being overseen by four-time European Tour winner Stephen Gallacher, has seen Scottish No.1 Robert MacIntyre paired with fellow left-hander, Cameron Adam. It means Cameron, who is heading to Northwestern University in Illinois later this year, can contact MacIntyre whenever he is needing any help about his career.

• PGA Tour announces “Ryder Cup for seniors”

• Scots club unveils stunning new clubhouse

• UK course gets green light for £13m redevelopment

“We have been very close to the Am to Pro side of things for years now, and if there was a gap then it was at this vulnerable stage,” said Iain Stoddart, co-founder of Bounce Sport Management.

“This is the time when our promising players are contemplating their next steps. They are looking at what would be right for their continued development and, for those following a university route, having someone to speak to, who has only recently been over the course, is very important.”

Numerous other Scots pros have joined the initiative as they seek to help play their part in the development of the next generation.

Grant Forrest has taken Ruben Lindsay under his wing while Calum Hill is mentoring Gregor Graham and Liam Johnston has linked up with Connor Wilson.

• UK course gets green light for £13m redevelopment

Cameron, Ruben and Connor are all Stephen Gallacher Foundation ambassadors while Gregor won the Stephen Gallacher Foundation Trophy last year. Girl ambassadors Grace Crawford, Katie Graham and Carys Irvine are also involved in the initiative, as is Megan Docherty, winner of the Stephen Gallacher Foundation Vase in 2020.

Kelsey Macdonald will act as Grace’s ‘buddy’, Kylie Henry has taken Katie under her wing and Megan is being helped by Rachael McQueen. Carys Irvine, meanwhile, has been handed an open line to Iona Stephen, a former Ladies European Tour player who now hosts the international TV programme, Golfing World, and also presents and commentates for Sky Sports Golf.

A buddy system is already in place amongst players in the Stephen Gallacher Foundation, which was launched in 2012 and is run by Scott Knowles and Stuart Johnston on a day-to-day basis.

“Scott and Stuart have a fantastic mentor set up in the Foundation that has been running since the start with all the different age groups helping the next,” commented Stephen Gallacher.

• Tiger provides update on condition after crash

“With us now seeing some of our players coming out of the Foundation, we wanted to make sure we help them best as possible to send them on their way. I am always on hand for advice, but I can’t thank all the young pros enough for stepping in to buddy the boys and girls one to one as their recent experiences of what they are about to go through will be invaluable.”

Cameron Adam, who won the 2019 Scottish Under-16s Boys’ Open Championship at Royal Burgess, his home club, has already enjoyed an on-course experience with his ‘buddy’ Robert MacIntyre.

• WATCH – Sergio misses tap-in at The PLAYERS

“I played with Bob, Grant and Ruben at The Renaissance Club before the current travel restrictions came into force and to get the chance to learn from them out on the course is incredible,” said the 17-year-old.

“It’s brilliant to be able to listen to how they deal with everything, including being in pressure situations, while it is also good to hear about their lifestyle on tour, which is completely different to being an amateur. Learning from them is going to be so valuable for young amateurs like myself.”