TWO-YEAR EXTENTION TO THE END OF 2015 SEASON

The boys in blue. Left to right: Graeme Robertson, Jamie Savage, Ewen Ferguson and Bradley Neil at The Duke's course, St Andrews today. Picture by Kenny Smith.

ABERDEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT 

EXTENDS SGU SPONSORSHIP

NEWS RELEASE FROM THE SGU

Aberdeen Asset Management, the global investment group, will continue to support Scotland’s leading amateur golfers through a new two-year sponsorship of the Scottish Golf Union’s national squads.

Making the announcement today at The Duke’s, St Andrews, where several of the national squad members will compete in the European Men’s Amateur Championship in August, the partnership between the SGU and Aberdeen Asset Management will see the players wearing the sponsors’ logo on their national apparel and bags through to the end of 2015.

Having become the SGU’s first national team sponsors in 2007, Aberdeen Asset Management are one of the governing body’s longest standing partners. The announcement comes on the back of a record-breaking year of sponsorship for the SGU, with more than £360,000 of cash income generated in 2012-13, which is on target to be surpassed in the current financial year.

Aberdeen Asset Management was also a key sponsor of the Scottish Golf Awards, staged in February, which raised an additional £40,000 in sponsorship and fund-raising for the Scottish Golf Charitable Trust. 

In addition the investment group supports the SGU’s warm-weather training programmes to the United Arab Emirates and South Africa, while providing additional benefits through their Scottish Open and Ladies Scottish Open sponsorship.

One of the country’s leading amateurs, Bradley Neil, welcomed the extension of Aberdeen Asset Management’s sponsorship and said:

“It’s great to have a major global brand such as Aberdeen Asset Management investing in the squad and the players really appreciate the backing they have given us over the years. Increased funding gives us the opportunities to perform at the top level and compete around the world, so hopefully we can give them a return by putting in some big performances in the major events this year.

“We’d love to go one better in the European Team Championships this year having been runners-up in 2013 and with the Eisenhower Trophy in September and the European Individual here in St Andrews, it’s a big year for the players.” 

Martin Gilbert, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Asset Management, added:

“We are very proud to support Scotland’s national amateur squads and delighted to see the progress of the young players emerging through the ranks at present. It’s vital for Scottish Golf that these players are given the best opportunities to develop their games.”

“Aberdeen Asset Management is committed to helping Scottish golfers perform at the highest level, from our leading amateurs to our top professionals and keeping our profile as ‘The Home of Golf’ within the global game,” he added. 

Aberdeen Asset Management also sponsors the Scottish Open, one of the biggest events on the European Tour, and the Ladies Scottish Open, as well as leading Tour professionals Colin Montgomerie, Paul Lawrie, Scott Henry, Catriona Matthew and Kylie Walker.

Ross Duncan, Marketing & Sponsorship Manager for the Scottish Golf Union, is delighted with the continued support provided by Aberdeen Asset Management and said: 

“Aberdeen Asset Management’s investment to amateur golf in Scotland over the past eight years highlights the strength of our partnership and demonstrates that the Scottish Golf Union is an attractive marketing platform to Scottish businesses.

“We continue to grow our sponsorship income and diversify our revenue streams but we’d love to see even more private sector support to help us grow the game and develop more players to compete at the highest level.

“With Scotland’s historic Ryder Cup year, Scottish golf has never been more in the spotlight so there are some great opportunities for companies to get involved. We have a proven track record in delivering value for money for our partners, as shown by Aberdeen Asset Management’s long-term commitment to us.”