Congratulations to Catriona Matthew

11 August 2009

clubgolf congratulates Catriona Matthew on her fabulous achievement of winning the Ricoh Women's British Open.

Just days after her greatest victory yet Catriona, a long term supporter of clubgolf, found time amidst the celebrations to meet some of the emerging female talent from East Lothian’s clubgolf programme.

Last summer 8563 children were involved in clubgolf coaching programmes at participating golf clubs. And a quarter of this number, 2130, were girls. With the numbers of children in clubgolf programmes at clubs expected to expand to 10,000 this summer, the figure for girls receiving coaching will also grow.

“The concept of clubgolf, to get everyone aware of golf and give them a chance to have a go, is a great idea,” said Catriona after meeting clubgolf girls from North Berwick GC and East Lothian Ladies County Golf Association at North Berwick GC.

“That’s half the battle, getting people in and giving then them the opportunity to try it. The more people you get into golf the better chance you have of finding some good ones and clubgolf will definitely help get more Scottish girls on the tour.”

Said Torquil McInroy, clubgolf Project Manager: “Catriona’s win at Lytham was great news for Scottish golf, and I’m sure it will inspire girls and boys alike to achieve success in their own game.

“As always Catriona has been modest in success, and it says a lot that just a few days after her greatest victory to date she took time out to meet some of the girls at North Berwick starting out on their own golfing journey.

“She offered the girls plenty of encouragement ahead of their competition, and the excellent scoring on the day perhaps suggests they took a little inspiration from meeting Scottish golf’s latest major champion and leading player of 2009.

“This wasn’t the first time Catriona has lent her support to clubgolf, and I know how excited she is to see so many children taking up the sport in Scotland.

“On a personal note I was delighted to see her win. She has been a superb ambassador for Scottish golf throughout her career, first as an amateur and then over the last fifteen years at the top of the professional game. A major title is a fitting addition to her list of achievements, and I’m sure she will add a few more before she hangs up her clubs.”