Shannon McWilliam thanks coach after 

winning Ladies' Order of Merit

NEWS RELEASE FROM ABOYNE GOLF CLUB

Aboyne Golf Club is celebrating after one of its young female members secured the prestigious title of 'Ladies Order of Merit' winner at the Scottish Golf Awards held recently in Edinburgh. In front of a star studded sell-out audience at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange, Shannon McWilliam, a 5th year pupil at Aboyne Academy, is pictured  right receiving her award from St Johnstone football manager Callum Davidson.

Receiving her award Shannon said "I was delighted to win and was also pleased to come runner-up in the Girls Order of Merit.  I really want to thank my coach Andrew Locke from Paul Lawrie Golf Centre and Scottish Golf Union for all their support".

Club President and Junior Convenor at Aboyne Golf Club Scott Mackie said "We are absolutely thrilled Shannon has won this national award and it is rightful recognition of all her abundant talent and dedication to her sport. 

" It has been fantastic to watch her progress in recent years through Aboyne Golf Club junior section and follow in the footsteps of so many talented young players this Club has produced over the years."

Sandra Findlay, Lady Captain at Aboyne GC, said "We are delighted for Shannon and her parents who have dedicated so much time and effort to support their daughter in her golfing ambitions.  She no doubt has a fantastic career ahead of her in the game playing at national and international level.  

"We continue to nurture young female talent at the club and would encourage any girls to take up the sport through the 'Active Schools' programme at primary schools or the 'ClubGolf' initiative being run by our national body 'ScottishGolf'.  We also welcome any ladies to our club to try out the game through the 'Get in to Golf' initiative which is also being run by Scottish Golf".

Speaking of the award parents Steve and Julie McWilliam and big brother Lewis said "as a family we are extremely proud of Shannon's achievement at such a young age, she worked hard practising last year and it paid off". 

Head Teacher at Aboyne Academy Lorraine Scott said "As a fellow golfer I know how much hard work and dedication is required to play at the top level.  It is wonderful to see a pupil from Aboyne Academy achieve such national sporting prowess and we congratulate Shannon and her parents.  We want to continue our close ties with Aboyne Golf Club who have a fantastic junior section and treat our young people so well."