STEPHEN GALLACHER FOUNDATION TO SPONSOR BOYS' STROKE-PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP AT CARDROSS

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE SCOTTISH GOLF UNION

Stephen Gallacher, one of Scotland’s leading players on The European Tour, has further strengthened his support for junior golf with his new Foundation today announced as the sponsor of the event he won twice as an amateur – the Scottish Boys Stroke Play Championship.

Following in the footsteps of his friend and countryman Paul Lawrie, whose Foundation backed the Scottish Boys Championship in April, Gallacher is continuing the encouraging trend among the nation’s top professionals to support Scottish Golf across various levels.

Regarded as Scotland's premier stroke play event for Under-18 golfers, The Stephen Gallacher Foundation Scottish Boys Stroke Play Championship will take place from 24 – 26 July when an international 144-strong field gathers at Cardross Golf Club, near Dumbarton.

The 37-year-old, who launched his Foundation at Kingsfield Golf Centre in March after being spurred on by the success of Lawrie’s work in his native north-east, has happy memories of the Boys Stroke Play having lifted the trophy back-to-back in 1991 and 1992.

The 2004 Dunhill Links champion, who has posted two impressive runner-up finishes this year to sit 33rd in the Race to Dubai rankings, said: “We're delighted to be lending our support to the Scottish Boys Stroke Play Championship.

“It’s a championship which I always remember fondly, given my two wins at Crieff and Monifieth, and that is one reason why I was keen to sponsor this event in 2012.

“I know Paul’s Foundation gave fantastic backing to the Scottish Boys at Murcar Links and I’m confident my Foundation will do the same.”

Gallacher’s Foundation – initially launched in the Lothians and Borders regions with a view to rolling out in Central Scotland in the future – has started positively with many children involved. Gallacher’s Foundation has come together thanks to the support of a number of partners, with Scottish Hydro the Headline Partner.

The Linlithgow-based player, who works closely with the national junior programme ClubGolf, believes sponsoring the Scottish Boys Stroke Play will further aid his Foundation’s development.

“The mission of the Foundation is to get as many young people as possible, of any age and ability, playing golf,” added Gallacher, whose other amateur highlights included Walker Cup success in 1995.

“I’d like to think sponsoring the Scottish Boys Stroke Play Championship can help my Foundation further blossom, as well as supporting a great event run by the Scottish Golf Union.”

In welcoming Gallacher’s support for the two-year deal, SGU Marketing and Sponsorship Manager Ross Duncan said: “It’s fantastic to have Stephen on board sponsoring one of our premier championships providing a great boost to the tournament and the youngsters taking part.

“Stephen is a real inspiration to the young players coming through our National Squads and Academies, having enjoyed such a superb amateur career in his time with the SGU.

“He has been supporting us for a while and has been a great help to the players, through passing on his advice and experience.”

Similarly to Lawrie at Murcar Links, Gallacher will be on site at Cardross to offer his support to an event also won by the likes of Scott Jamieson, Lloyd Saltman, Scott Henry and James Byrne, now all competing in the pro ranks, down the years.

Twelve months ago, Josh Jamieson claimed his biggest-ever victory when he triumphed by two shots at Nairn Dunbar. In doing so, the New Club St Andrews youngster secured a notable double for the ‘Home of Golf’ following Ben Kinsley’s success in the Scottish Boys Under-16 Championship two weeks before.

St Andrews’ Ewan Scott, the Golf Data Lab Scottish Youths champion, and Paul Lawrie Foundation Scottish Boys winner Craig Howie (Peebles), will be among those seeking success this year.

After the close of entries, The 2012 Stephen Gallacher Foundation Scottish Boys Stroke Play Championship balloted at a handicap of 3.2.

For more information on The Stephen Gallacher Foundation and to find out how children of all ages and levels can get involved, go to the Foundation’s website.

>> Click here for The Stephen Gallacher Foundation

>> Click here for the draw for The 2012 Stephen Gallacher Foundation Scottish Boys Stroke Play Championship