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| SLGA amateurs watching Vikki Laing during the second round |
Junior golfers from the Scottish Girls’ Squad had the opportunity to be inspired by watching and learning from the Ladies European Tour professionals during the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open presented by EventScotland.
After a briefing from Polly Clark, event coordinator at the Ladies European Tour, where they learned about what goes on behind the scenes at a golf tournament and were given information on dealing with the media, they watched Scottish Ladies European Tour Member Vikki Laing complete her second round on the Fidra Course at Archerfield Links before participating in a Q&A session where they learned about what it takes to make it on tour.
Laing gave time management, educational and nutritional advice, before rookie Sally Watson also met the girls to share her experiences, particularly with regards to travel, keeping motivated and playing in all weather conditions to keep their ‘Scottish edge.’
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| LET Rookie Sally Watson sharing experiences from her amateur days |
Mirren Fraser, 15, from Dumfries, who plays off a 3 handicap, said: “I enjoyed watching and learning how Vikki approaches the game and how she prepares before teeing off and what she does.”
Charlotte Munro, 14, from Gullane, who plays off 5, said: “I enjoyed finding out all about Vikki, how she benefited from going to the States and how she learned to be organised and how to play in different weather conditions.”
Joanne Free, 16, from Gullane, who plays off 5, said: “I enjoyed learning about Vikki’s time in America and how she learned how to plan her time whilst being away from her family.”
Molly Richmond, 15, a 7 handicapper from Strathaven, said: “I liked watching Vikki play golf and the way she conducts herself and the type of golf that gets played on links. I learned how important it is to have a back-up plan because you don’t know what life will throw at you. I’d like to see how far my golf can get me.”
Lori McDonald, 15, from Cardross, hcp 10, said: “I enjoyed going on the golf course and watching Vikki. I learned how important it is to warm up properly before the round.”
Kirsten Brown, 15, from Strathaven GC, hcp 5, commented: “I really enjoyed today and I particularly enjoyed asking Vikki questions about preparation before the round and how important it is to have a set routine before a round. For an hour and 15 minutes before her round she’s practising on the range.”
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| Polly Clark informs the players of the opportunities available through LET |
Former Ladies European Tour Member Clare Queen, now performance coordinator at the Scottish Ladies’ Golf Association, who organised and attended the session along with SLGA coach Ian Muir, commented: “We set up this opportunity to aid the players’ development and provide education which will empower them to make choices about their future. As a former player on tour, I know that there are a lot of things to learn when you first become a member and therefore I think that it is helpful to have as much information to hand to aid you in your preparations. With Vikki being a Scottish pro who has come through the same pathway it was great to get her insights and experiences of playing well on the Ladies European Tour.”
Having been inspired by the experience, the girls will soon start their winter training programme. To follow their progress, visit SLGA.co.uk or follow on Twitter: @SLGAgolf
