TO Scottish golf professionals -- several to be sure, neither born nor
based nor coached in their native country -- the sport has been a
generous provider. There always seems to be one somewhere stepping on to
the escalator to follow up the generations ahead of them who have led by
example.
Recent disappointing results at international team level -- not,
curiously enough, reflected in the performances of individuals -- have
led to the controversial proposal to found a national golf centre
principally dedicated to coaching. This is acceptable as far as it goes,
which is not far enough.
Scotland is too small a country to have the best endeavours of our
amateurs and their professional counterparts fragmented. An umbrella
organisation, such as exists in Sweden, should be the ultimate
objective. Meanwhile, the encouragement of juniors by clubs must be more
widespread and liberal.
As it is, however, Scotland must surely have recognised and rejoiced
in merit of the achievements gained last season by Colin Montgomerie and
Gary Orr, respectively Europe's Order of Merit winner and Rookie of the
Year, and Catriona Lambert.
There were signs, too, of upward movement elsewhere. Paul Lawrie,
still loyal to his Aberdeenshire roots, is on the up stairway and Andrew
Coltart has made a promising start this year.
In The Dubai Desert Classic more Swedes than Scots took part, a vivid
illustration of another modern change of the balance of power, though
that nation has yet to develop one or two outstanding players.
The post-war legacies of John Panton and Eric Brown and those of
more recent times established by Sandy Lyle, Sam Torrance and Gordon
Brand Jr ought to inspire their successors and satisfy Scotland's
demanding public.
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