Redfords on tour

May 6 2011 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

ONE-TIME professional footballer Ian Redford is lending a helping hand to his teenage son’s bid for golfing glory.

Errol-born Ian, who played for clubs including Dundee, Rangers, Ipswich and St Johnstone, is caddying for Ian jnr and their joint goal is to move up through the divisions all the way to the European Tour.

Just 18, the former Scottish U16 champion and past member of King James VI has bagged his card for this season’s EuroPro Tour and has a string of tournaments in his diary.

With most of them in England and Ireland, his dad admits: “I’m not just the caddy. I’m the chauffeur, the cook and much more besides!

“Ian made the decision to turn pro and try to work his way up the ladder. It’s a path trodden by Martin Kaymer, who is now among the best in the world.

“We know it won’t be easy but starting at the bottom and working your way up will bring a wealth of experience.

“I believe that is a good way to progress if you want to become a professional sportsman. You are serving your apprenticeship.

“I remember at 16 or 17 playing a reserve game for my first club Dundee at Celtic Park and going up against Alfie Conn. It was a great experience and it stood me in good stead. You go up against older and more experienced players and learn from it.

“Golf is no different and Ian is determined to work hard and he is very focused.”

The pair headed for Spain earlier in the year and young Ian, who lives near Newburgh played in several events on the High Five Tour.

“That was a real learning curve. He found himself playing with guys like Miguel Angel Martin and James Ruth, who were Tour players a couple of years ago. The Spaniard made the 1997 Ryder Cup squad before injury forced him out.”

More recently, St Andrews New club member Ian secured his EuroPro Tour card at Slaley Hall in the north east of England. The next step on the ladder for the ex-Scotland junior international would be the Challenge Tour.

“Slaley Hall was a stiff challenge because he was under pressure to get his card and he handled it very well.”

Ian jnr, who ha been based at St Andrews and played off plus one before turning pro, is also hoping to play closer to home, with Optical Express backing a tournament in Scotland. He is also keen to secure one or two invitations for the step-up Challenge Tour and a venture to America and South Africa could be on the cards for later in the year.

“It’s difficult but I try to detach myself emotionally when I am on the bag for Ian,” said Ian snr. “The biggest challenge is lugging around a Titleist tour bag full to the gunnels. It weighs a ton!”