SANDY LYLE TO BE HONOURED AT SCOTTISH GOLF AWARDS NIGHT

NEWS RELEASE FROM SCOTTISH GOLF UNION

Two-time Major champion Sandy Lyle, one of Europe’s most notable golfers, will appropriately collect a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2013 Scottish Golf Awards – 25 years after he won The Masters at Augusta.

On what is set to be another wonderful night at the annual awards showpiece, Lyle will reflect on becoming the first-ever Briton to claim the coveted Green Jacket and look back on a truly exceptional career before a likely sell-out crowd.

A celebration of Scottish Golf’s achievements over the past 12 months, the prestigious event takes place on Friday 1 March 2013, at the new venue of the Hilton Glasgow, with all proceeds from the Awards going towards the development of young golfers in Scotland.

Lyle will take centre stage, going down memory lane to recall his famous fairway bunker shot that set up his Augusta triumph and his jig of delight on the final green. 
The 54-year-old will also look back on his 1985 Open triumph at Royal St George’s and his five Ryder Cup appearances, including team victories in 1985 and 1987.

Lyle will mingle with fellow guests, notable golfers – amateur and professional – and other stars from across the Scottish sporting spectrum on what will truly be an evening to remember, one jointly-organised by the Scottish Golf Union, the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association and ClubGolf.

Lyle, who follows Sam Torrance, Colin Montgomerie and Paul Lawrie into the ‘Hall of Fame’ will fly back from his American base, where he is competing on the Champions Tour in 2013, to collect his award in Glasgow.

“It is an honour to receive such a prestigious award from the Scottish golfing public,” said Sandy, who has claimed 30 professional wins and was a member of Europe’s ‘Big Five’ in the 1980s.

“I can’t believe it’s been 25 years since I won at Augusta and I’m looking forward to recalling that victory, as well as my other highlights, on the night. I have enjoyed a great career and hope for further success in the years ahead in Europe and America.”

Lyle, the only living Scot to have been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in May 2012, added: “I know the awards recognise the achievements of golfers and golf clubs from all levels of the game in Scotland so it will be great meeting all of the other winners, from our leading amateurs to our dedicated volunteers.

“I’ve heard the event is now one of the highlights of the Scottish golfing calendar and I’m looking forward to attending at the Hilton Glasgow on 1 March next year.”

Together with Lyle’s accolade, Scotland’s leading male and female amateurs from 2012 will be presented with their awards, while the work of clubs at community level will be recognised with the RBS Junior Club and Volunteer of the Year Awards.

The ‘Player of the Year’, a forthcoming on-line vote for golf fans via the Scottish Golf Union website at www.scottishgolf.org, will also be a hotly contested competition, with numerous Scottish success stories throughout 2012.

The likes of Ryder Cup hero Paul Lawrie, top-ranked Catriona Matthew, Omega European Masters champion Richie Ramsay, two-time Ladies European Tour winner Carly Booth and European Tour graduate Scott Henry will all be in the running, with all on-line voters entered into a free prize draw to win a free pair of tickets for the event.

Open to all golf fans, tickets are now on sale for the glittering evening of champagne and champions priced at £85 per person or £800 for a table of 10.

The package includes a four-course meal, wine and glass of champagne on arrival, an abundance of entertainment and the opportunity to have your photo taken with golf’s most iconic trophies, while some unique prizes will also be up for grabs in the fundraising auction and raffle.

Tickets for the evening can be purchased on-line via the Scottish Golf Shop at www.scottishgolf.org or by calling the Ticket Hotline on 01334 466 477.

The latest news on the 2013 Scottish Golf Awards will also be available on Twitter @SGUGolf and via the SGU’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ScottishGolfUnion