DR ROB MACPHERSON HONOURED AT SCOTTISH STUDENT SPORT CONFERENCE

NEWS RELEASE
At the annual Scottish Student Sport Conference, held at the University of Dundee, Dr Rob Macpherson, Subject Leader for Business and Leisure at the University of the Highlands and Islands, was confirmed as one of two new Honorary Life Vice Presidents of the organisation for services to student sport and student golf.

Brian Lister OBE is the other. 

Dr Macpherson, formerly Director of Golf Studies at North Highland College UHI, has been involved in the voluntary administration of student golf for 25 years. 

Uniquely, he holds posts in the current university organisational structures at Scottish, British and European levels. 

Starting from when he was a student himself, at the University of Aberdeen, in 1988, Dr Macpherson has always combined his passion for playing golf with taking on roles and responsibilities within the amateur game. 

A former captain of both Aberdeen and Edinburgh University Golf Clubs, he took on sole responsibility for running Scottish University Golf in 1996 – a role he continues in to this day – contributing time and energy to the successful organisation, management and operation of a series of Student Tour golf events around the country. In 2010, he was appointed Chair of British University Golf and, as such, now has added stops such as Trevose in Cornwall, West Lancashire and Hollinwell (Nottinghamshire) to his busy itinerary. In 2012, Dr Macpherson was appointedTechnical Director of European University Golf for a four-year period – the only British representative to hold such a post – and, as such, he has recently returned from Saint Saens in Normandy where he has carried out a scoping and inspection visit prior to the 3^rd European University Championships to be held in France in September.

Combined with competition administration, Dr Macpherson also has helped generations of student golfers perform in team and individual competition at all levels. 

The proud possessor of four Scottish University caps himself, Dr Macpherson has managed the Scottish University Men’s and Women’s Teams in numerous Student Home Nations events; was involved in the organisation and management of the Palmer Cup in its early years, has managed gold and silver medal winning teams competing in three World Golf Championships; and, in 2011, he was Team manager for the Great British Team competing in the World Student Games, held in Shenzhen, China.

Speaking of Dr Macpherson’s appointment, Dr Brian Ewing, Chair of Scottish Student Sport, said: 
“For over twenty years now, Rob has been the face of Scottish Student Golf. He combines the highest of professional standards with a tremendous work ethic and a never-ending willingness to push the boundaries of what is possible within the challenging and ever-changing context of academic life. "His contribution to Scottish Student Golf, and, more widely, to student sport deserves respect and, as an organisation, we look forward to his continuing contributions in years to come.”  
Katrina Paton, President of UHI Students Association commented: “Rob is a true champion of the students; he is always seeking new ways to motivate those around him and make the student experience exceptional!”

Dr Macpherson, currently lives and works in Dornoch and is a member of Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Originally from Nairn, much of his enthusiasm for the game stems from many hours competitive and friendly play on the links both of Nairn Golf Club and Nairn Dunbar Golf Club.”