Surprise omission of British boys' championship runner-up

WHY FRASER
FOTHERINGHAM & FERRIER
HAVE BEEN LEFT
OUT OF SGU NATIONAL
SQUADS FOR 2008

British boys championship beaten finalist Fraser Fotheringham from Nairn and Scottish boys champion Paul Ferrier (Baberton) are the surprise omissions from the list of 46 players, divided into six national selection squads for 2008 named by the Scottish Golf Union.
Fotheringham, pictured right, went on to represent Great Britain & Ireland in the Jacques Leglise Trophy boys’ international match against the Continental boys after his great run through to the 36-hole final of the British boys’ championship at Royal Porthcawl.
Kate Weldon, the SGU Communications Manager, explained:
“The feedback I have received is that the selectors had consider Fraser because of his very good run at the British boys as well as good performances at the Jacques Leglise Trophy and Junior Tour events this year.
“However, as he has now progressed to youths level, his performances were measured against other players who had also produced significant results in men’s golf, such as Shaun McAllister and Scott Borrowman.
“On this occasion, the selectors felt this was an area where Fraser still needed to develop to warrant inclusion alongside the aforementioned players.
“The Scottish boys champion, Paul Ferrier, was also considered but missed youths’ squad inclusion on this occasion for the same reason. However, the selectors will be monitoring their progress next year and hope to see both Fraser and Paul challenge for a p;lace in the Scottish team during the 2008 season.”
Jonathan King (Glasgow), a regular in the Scotland men’s team in recent years, is withdrawing from international competition to focus his energies on his banking career.

The SGU national squads for 2008 are:

MEN’S ELITE SQUAD
Wallace Booth (Comrie), Glenn Campbell (Blairgowrie), Gavid Dear (Murrayshall), John Gallagher (Swanston New), Scott Henry (Cardross), Mark Hillson (Craigielaw), Ross Kellett (Colville Park), Callum Macaulay (Tulliallan), Kevin McAlpine (Alyth), Keir McNicoll (Carnoustie), Paul O’Hara (Colville Park).

OVERSEAS SQUAD
James Byrne (Banchory), Jordan Findlay (Fraserburgh), Lewis Kirton (Newmachar).

YOUTHS SQUAD
Scott Borrowman (Dollar), Scott Mann (Carnoustie), Shaun McAllister (Craigielaw), Steven McEwan (Caprington), Robert McKnight (Kilmarnock Barassie), Philip McLean (Peterhead), Greg Patterson (St Andrews New), James White (Lundin).

UNDER-18 “A” SQUAD
Mark Bookless (Sandyhills), Scott Fraser (Northern), Chris Gaittens (Fortrose & Rosemarkie), David Law (Hazlehead), Andrew McLachlan (Bonnyton), Sam McLaren (King James VI), Paul Shields (Kirkhill), Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck).

UNDER-18 “B” SQUAD
Colin Baird (Bothwell Castle), Tom Blennerhassett (Dalmahoy), Fraser McKenna (Balmore), Chris Robb (Inchmarlo), Tom Spencer (Inchmarlo), Colin Thomson (East Renfrewshire), Daniel Young (Craigie Hill).

DEVELOPMENT SQUAD (Under-16s)
Shaun Connor (Ralston), Robbie Gauld (Cruden Bay), Scott Gibson (Southerness), Paul McPhee (King James VI), Ian Redford (King James VI), Jordyn Rhind (Uphall), Ewen Scott (St Andrews), Jack Scott (Deeside), Callum Stewart (Brora).