Golf 'ambassadors' unveiled by FM at top event
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A HOST of Scotland's top golfers have been announced by the First Minister as official ClubGolf Ambassadors.
Colin Montgomerie, Martin Laird and Scott Jamieson joined Alex Salmond on Wednesday to launch the ambassador programme at a children's coaching session at Castle Stuart links course, ahead of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open.
Fellow Scots golfing Stephen Gallacher, Catriona Matthew and Kelsey MacDonald have also signed up to be ambassadors for Scotland's successful national junior golf programme, which has also been backed by 18-time Major champion Jack Nicklaus.
Mr Salmond said: "Scotland is the undisputed home of golf and our golfing heritage is unrivalled. But if we want to give Scotland the best chance of being the future of golf, we need to drive participation in the sport among our young people.
"Through ClubGolf over 220,000 children have had the opportunity to play golf and over 12,000 are taking part in programmes at hundred of clubs.
"This is a remarkable achievement and one it is crucial we build on, so I am very proud to announce these top Scottish golfers as ClubGolf Ambassadors."
Colin Montgomerie said: "I think having all these fun activities going alongside a top international tournament like the Scottish Open is a great formula to attract children to get involved in golf."
American golfing legend Jack Nicklaus said: "Golf is much more than a game; it helps teach children important life lessons about honesty, integrity, values and sportsmanship. By introducing golf to juniors through ClubGolf, we can start affecting their lives at an early age – not only to develop as golfers, but to develop as well-rounded good citizens."
The Scottish Government has committed to supporting ClubGolf activity in and around this year's Scottish Open, in addition to the further two million pounds already committed to ClubGolf for another four years from 2014-2018.
