Murrayshall supporting school golfers

Apr 29 2011 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

MURRAYSHALL House Hotel and Golf Courses has agreed to host the prestigious Paul Lawrie Scottish Schools Championships for the next four years.

The venue on the outskirts of Perth will welcome promising youngsters keen to make a name for themselves in the countdown to the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.

In advance of the championships starting on June 6, Dorothy Scott, Scottish Schools Golf Association president, said: “The generous offer made by Murrayshall to host the championships is very much appreciated. It is an exceptional offer.”

She said Murrayshall was well-positioned for the competing districts, with two championship courses to test up and coming talent in Scotland.

“The clubhouse has first rate facilities with very slick service from the catering staff – an essential requirement when 36 holes of golf have to be completed in a day.”

The venue enjoys the full support of the Golf Foundation created by Carnoustie Open winner Paul Lawrie to breed a new generation of Scots golfing talent.

Murrayshall head pro Alan Reid said: “The schools championships have been running for a long, long time.

“Paul Lawrie and his Foundation have been involved for a few years now and they see it as a flagship event in their strategy to bring through young golfing talent.

“We hosted the event last year and it was very successful, with up to 160 youngsters in the field.

“Julie Yang set a new course record for the ladies on Murrayshall. There are some very good golfers taking part each year, with the higher handicaps generally five and six.

“We have two quality courses at one venue and that is a major asset.

“We were delighted to get the chance to support the event for a five-year period, providing continuity for the championships.

“The kids are great to deal with and the event has input from the SGU and the SLGA.”