Boost for North East golfing talent as RGU opens scholarship pathway

Supported by the Gym Rental Company, Paul Lawrie Golf Centre, and Murcar Links Golf Club, the RGU Golf Scholarship programme has so far received over £50,000 of external funding to bring a four-year tailored package of performance provision for elite golfers

Created and operated by RGU SPORT, the University’s home of performance and community sport, the programme will welcome scholarship applications from all current or prospective RGU students.

The scholarship will initially support up to two golfers who will each receive financial support, a host of performance sport support and a competitive programme including the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Golf Tour and R&A Student Tour Series.

Paul Lawrie, winner of the prestigious Open Championship and who hails from Aberdeen, said: “This programme is a great addition to help young golfers develop in the North East and the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre is really pleased to be able to provide memberships and access to our outstanding range facilities.”

Accepted applicants will also receive the benefits of RGU SPORT’s existing sports scholarship programme, including strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, academic flexibility and support, and more.

Joanna Bell, Programme Development Manager at RGU SPORT, said: “RGU SPORT already plays a fundamental role in providing valuable and genuine sporting opportunities to a huge number of community and student members.

“This latest sports scholarship programme further enhances our elite sport performance offering and is a fantastic opportunity for young golfers, whether Aberdonian or international, to receive both financial and professional backing to strengthen their potential career in professional sport”.

Fundamental to its launch is the backing of the Gym Rental Company. The provider of gym and fitness equipment is headquartered in Aberdeen and long-time supporters of RGU SPORT.

Gary Ross, Managing Director, Gym Rental Company, said: “It’s a pleasure to further our existing relationship with RGU by helping aspiring golfers to continue their educational journey whilst trying to take the next step as high performance athletes.”

In addition to Paul Lawrie Golf Centre, scholars will also gain access to the highly rated Murcar Links Golf Club.

RGU SPORT is one of only two university sport facilities in Scotland which is entirely free to access for its student population, helping to harness over 4,000 student members in addition to 1,200 sports club members.

Lynn Kilbride, Vice Principal for Academic Development and Student Experience, RGU said: “Scotland is rightly known as the home of golf and in creating this specialised programme we are providing a platform for those in the North East with potential and ambition to progress to that next level.

“RGU SPORT is proud to offer such varying support to so many and we greatly value ensuring that sport is accessible, whether at elite level or among friends. This scholarship opens the door to golfers who may not have the financial backing of others. Thanks to the partners involved for their commitment and passion, in particular Gary and the Gym Rental Company.

Contributing towards RGU’s campus vibrancy and health and wellbeing of its entire community, the facility welcomed over 120,000 visits over the course of the previous academic year.

Its comprehensive work in both community and performance sport helps to ensure that the University is regularly one of the nation’s top institutions for student satisfaction.

Recent RGU SPORT scholars include Commonwealth Games medallist Louise Christie, athletes Luke Davidson and Rebecca Mathieson, and most famously both Rachel Corsie, Scotland women’s football captain, and Olympic swimmer Hannah Miley.

Budding golf scholars are encouraged to register an interest on RGU’s website prior to applications opening next year. Parties interested in providing further support to the programme should make contact with Ian Lowe, Head of Sport at Robert Gordon University.

Cover image includes partners involved, L-R: Paul Lawrie; Joanna Bell, RGU SPORT; Gary Ross, Gym Rental Company; Graham Thom; Filippo Antoniazzi, Gym Rental Company; Ian Lowe, RGU SPORT.