McNicoll, McEwan, O'Hara and

Yates defend Euro Nations Cup

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE SCOTTISH GOLF UNION
Keir McNicoll will front the four-strong team selected to defend Scotland’s title at the European Nations Cup at the end of this month, at Real Club de Golf Sotogrande in Spain's sunny Costa del Sol.
McNicoll, winner of the St Andrews Links Trophy last year, is the sole survivor of last year’s winning side which included world amateur team champions Callum Macaulay and Wallace Booth, along with Scott Henry.
Macaulay and Henry have since turned professional.
The Carnoustie player, pictured right by Cal Carson Golf Agency, will be joined by three other Scots, who like McNicoll were named in the 28-strong Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup squad last month, comprising
+SGU Order of Merit 2008 winner Steven McEwan (Caprington) and finalist at the Allied Surveyors Scottish Amateur Championship.
+Scottish international Paul O’Hara (Colville Park) who finished third at the 2008 Mexican Amateur.
+Gordon Yates (Hilton Park) who finished tied for second place in the Mission Hills Asia Pacific Open Amateur Championship in China earlier this year.
McNicoll said, “We played a few practice rounds at the tournament venue a few weeks ago just after the Spanish amateur championship and the greens and course overall were in fantastic condition.
“We have a great team this year who are more than capable of defending this title, so with all these factors considered, it should make for a great tournament.“
The Scots will face an experienced field contesting this year’s title formerly known as the Grey Goose Cup, Sherry Cup and Sotogrande Cup, which takes place from March 25 to 28.
Scotland’s winning performance in the 72-hole event last year was a marked improvement from previous years when they finished tied for eighth place in 2007 and ninth place in 2006. Prior to that, Scotland’s best result was in 2005 – the year they claimed the team runner-up prize - former US Amateur Champion Richie Ramsay finished tied for second place alongside fellow Scot Andrew McArthur in the individual event.
The best three carded scores each day contribute to the team result in the four-day event, while the individual championship runs simultaneously with the winner receiving a trophy and an Amateur Masters Jacket.

Kate Weldon
SGU Communications Manager