Gleneagles golf scholar Rowan Carey tees off 

his season representing Scotland in U16 quad

NEWS RELEASE

Gleneagles Foundation golf scholar Rowan Carey has been 

selected for the eight-strong Scotland eam competing at this 

week’s Quadrangular U16 International series in Templepatrick, 

Northern Ireland (March 30 - April 1).

The 15 year-old from Auchterarder, who plays off 3, was picked to play in the event for the second year running, having debuted in the competition in 2015.

“I’m really excited about competing for Scotland this week.  It is the biggest competition I’ve played in and it’s an honour to be selected for the second time,” said Strathallan School pupil, Carey.

“Last year was quite nerve-wracking and I was the youngest in the team.  This time I’m a year older and I’m going into it with a bit more experience – so I have more confidence and feel better equipped to handle the pressure.”

A keen all-round sportsman, he has focused solely on golf only relatively recently. “I used to be really keen on rugby but I’ve just given that up this season – I couldn’t keep playing both because of the risks of injury,” said Carey who has future ambitions to gain a college golf scholarship in the USA and eventually turn professional.  

“My golf has really improved recently so it made it easier for me to make my decision. Golf is a great game and is different to team sports. If you shoot a bad score, you’re in the spotlight on your own and you have to face up to it but on the other hand, it feels amazing when you play well.”

Under the coaching of the PGA National Academy and his close knit Gleneagles Foundation team, Carey has spent the winter refining his skills and his game is flourishing. “I’ve been doing fitness and coaching sessions and I’ve been down here putting in as many hours of practice as I can,” he said.

“With the support of the Foundation, I’ve made a lot of positive changes this winter.  I’m still honing these and grooving them into my game but I’m feeling like my swing’s really getting there now.

“Being a scholar in the Gleneagles Foundation means you know you’ve got support there at all times.  We can pop in and there will always be someone there to help us or give advice on our game.

“My focus is to keep working hard and improving. There are a few other team matches this summer, so I want to keep playing well and hopefully I’ll be selected.”

Rowan Carey is one of 13 talented scholars supported by the Gleneagles Foundation.  Launched in 2015, the scholarship programme was established to support and develop the next generation of elite Scottish golfers.

The programme gives young players the opportunity to play and practice within one of the world’s leading golf resorts, along with support and coaching throughout the year with PGA Professionals – giving the scholars the opportunity to make continual progress.

Due to sit his GCSEs this summer, Carey has to manage a packed schedule, which involves fitting in golf practice on Sundays and after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and focusing on homework and studies the rest of his time.  He said: “Balancing golf with studies means I have to be disciplined.  Like all pupils my age, I have a lot of homework, so I need to make the most of the time I put aside to play golf and make sure my practice is effective.

Matthew Galley, the Gleneagles Foundation Manager said: “We’re delighted to hear Rowan has been selected to represent Scotland for the second year in a row and we know he’ll do the Foundation proud.

“He’s continually improved over the past year and his participation in national events – and competing against a high calibre of players – has been a big part of this progress.”

He added: “Rowan has a bright future ahead of him.  It’s a competitive field but, with the support of the Foundation, he has all the tools and the best facility at his disposal to progress to the highest level of the sport.”

The Gleneagles Foundation is looking to recruit two new scholars.  

Matthew Galley will be scouting at various junior events this year 

looking for possible candidates to join the programme.  Aspiring 

young golfers should look out for further information at  

www.gleneagles.com/golf/gleneagles-foundation