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.