There is a refreshing trend in the world of golf that is not so apparent in many other world sports, and that is the pros putting back to the platform that has given them so much. And that fashion looks like continuing as Stephen Gallacher has launched a facility to encourage talented young golfers to progress in the game by way of creating his own golf foundation.
The world number one hundred is by no way the first professional golfer to do this; he joins company, as well as in the world of golf’s elite, with Lee Westwood, Darren Clarke and his fellow countryman Paul Lawrie in creating an environment that will encourage home-grown talent to continue in the UK’s great golfing heritage.
In fact, in a recent interview, Gallacher admitted to gleaning advice and inspiration from Lawrie, who set up his golf academy in Aberdeenshire following success at the 1999 Carnoustie Open Championship. On the Tour, as and when the two have met, Lawrie has helped Gallacher to plan for the pitfalls that he has encountered over almost a decade since his academy opened its doors in the north of Scotland, even advising his colleague on the type and style of flags and where to get them from!
Gallacher, the 2004 Dunhill Links champion, is believed to have modelled his business plan around Lawrie’s, although is hoping to put his very own mark on the new venture by injecting an element of fun alongside the training process, which will service the opposite end of the country from that of his fellow Scot’s well-established and renowned facility.
With one eye on future talent that may come through the Steve Gallacher Foundation, launched at Kingsfield Golf Range for easy access for the youngsters in earshot of the Lothians and Borders, he is very excited at the prospect of kids who would otherwise not have the chance possibly playing through the ranks and maybe one day picking up a golf club for Scotland and maybe one day turn pro.
Amongst the staff Gallacher has entrusted to run the foundation whilst he’s away on Tour are former Ladies European golfer, Jane Connachan, who’ll be working alongside other well-respected coaches, under the Foundation’s manager, Scott Knowles. The managerial and coaching team will be in charge of administering a plethora of categories of students, ranging from under-10′s to under-18′s, who it is hoped, through the expert golf tuition from the staff, will go on to qualify and play in open stroke-play tournaments.
It certainly is a possibility – Lawrie’s breeding ground produced David Law, who went on to become double Scottish Amateur champion. Surely Gallacher will want his foundation team to one-up that mark!
