Female Golfers Set to Benefit from UAE Winter Training Camp

Press Release from Scottish Golf

Four of Scotland’s leading female amateur golfers will join their male counterparts at the United Arab Emirates winter training camp for the first time as the Scottish Golf squad flies out to Abu Dhabi tomorrow (19 November).

The intensive winter training camp – part funded through support from the Alfred Dunhill Links Foundation, Aberdeen Asset Management and sportscotland – will see a group of male and female squad members based at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club over the next three weeks, building on previous successful visits to the region.

Helped by key members of the Scottish Golf coaching team – including National Coach Ian Rae, National Ladies Coach David Patrick and input from staff at the sportscotland institute of sport – the group will focus on short game practice and playing Tour-style courses, as well as strength and conditioning work.

Walker Cup and European Amateur Team winners Ewen Ferguson, Grant Forrest and Jack McDonald all travel, a return for Ferguson after last year’s Middle East experiences helped him to his best-ever season, with Forrest and McDonald benefitting from the camp for the first time.

Connor Syme, another member of the victorious European Team success in Sweden in the summer, Craig Ross, Calum Fyfe, Jamie Savage and Scott Gibson also return, joined by teenage duo Sandy Scott, a three-time winner last season, and Rory Franssen.

Home-based women Gabrielle Macdonald and Hannah McCook are also to attend, along with girls duo Hazel MacGarvie and Shannon McWilliam, the latter the Ladies Order of Merit winner in 2015.

“It’s the first time we have gone out as a full squad together, so it should be really good to get the opportunity to practice in warm weather in great facilities,” said Craigielaw’s Macdonald. “I’m trying to do full-time golf just now, so as the weather is getting poorer here it will be great to get away and practice.

“I think the women will definitely be able to learn from the men, as they have been really successful this year, with three players in the Walker Cup and winning the European Amateur Team Championship. You can always learn from them so hopefully that will help kick-start the women’s game and improve our performances next year.”

Forrest, who has delayed turning pro along with Ferguson and McDonald, added: “It’s just going to be a great opportunity to improve and prepare for next year, having almost four weeks just grafting away. Scottish Golf has put together a great schedule to prepare for the upcoming season, so for me it’s about building towards turning pro next year and making sure I’m ready.”

“This is another great opportunity for the players to work on fitness and their golfing skills for an extended period,” continued Steve Paulding, Scottish Golf Performance Manager.

“The venues in Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer magnificent courses and superb practice facilities, and we have seen particular improvement in short game results from the camps in previous years. We are very grateful to the support of these venues and indebted to our supporters who ultimately help make this trip possible – Aberdeen Asset Management, the Alfred Dunhill Links Foundation and sportscotland.”