Scottish Hydro Expands Huge Support for Scottish Golf

Stephen Gallacher (fourth left) with the 2012 Team Scottish Hydro members: (l-r) Jamie McLeary, Vikki Laing, Chris Doak, Kylie Walker, Jack Doherty, Andrew McArthur, Callum Macaulay. Click on the image to enlarge it.

NEWS RELEASE
Scottish golf was given a welcome boost today with a double announcement which will help develop the game at both the professional and grassroots level.
Scottish Hydro, one of the UK’s leading energy companies, announced their continued support of an initiative which provides financial support and expert advice to a small group of talented, young professionals playing on the European Challenge Tour.
Team Scottish Hydro was launched in 2011 to wide acclaim and recognition from governing bodies and federations across Europe in addition to many top, international professionals.
This morning, in front of The Hydro - Scotland’s new home of live entertainment, also sponsored by Scottish Hydro - the five Challenge Tour players were unveiled. Three members of last year’s Team Scottish Hydro – Callum Macaulay, Chris Doak and Jamie McLeary - were joined by newcomers Andrew McArthur and Jack Doherty. Callum Macaulay, one of those receiving support for a second year, commented: "I am very pleased to be included again this year and I am very grateful to Scottish Hydro for their continued support. Last season was a good year for me but I know what I need to do to make it onto the European Tour and I am determined to make this happen."
Newcomer, Jack Doherty said: "I am excited to be a part of Team Scottish Hydro as I know how much benefit this support brings. This gives me a fantastic opportunity to achieve my goal of playing at the highest level in the game."
The announcement also included a new development which was well-received by supporters of women’s golf. Two young professionals from the Ladies European Tour – Kylie Walker and Vikki Laing – have joined the Team Scottish Hydro programme and they will benefit from the same financial support and advice as the men.
Jonny Petrie, Sponsorship Manager at Scottish Hydro, said: "We are delighted to announce this year’s Team Scottish Hydro players. 2011 was a very successful first year which culminated in Craig Lee winning his place on the European Tour and we hope that the 2012 team can continue this success.
"In addition to the five European Challenge Tour players, we also welcome two players from the Ladies European Tour. It has always been our intention to include emerging talent from the ladies professional game and we hope that this support can also help them to develop and reach their potential." Catriona Matthew, 2009 Women’s British Open Champion & Scotland’s most successful female golfer, was very pleased that Scottish Hydro had recognised the women’s professional game. She said:
 "I'm really glad that Scottish Hydro has included two girls in their support programme this year. The young female pros will appreciate the help every bit as much as the guys and women’s golf is an area of the game that we need to grow. Congratulations to Scottish Hydro and I hope that all the players they are supporting have a great year."