Perthshire golfer Alex Simpson has been tipped for the top after an impressive display at the Faldo Series grand final.
The Strathmore member carded rounds of 73, 68 and 79 at the Stoke by Nayland course near Colchester to finish fourth overall in the under-16s age category.
Set-up by Sir Nick Faldo, the series provides an opportunity for young people through golf and helps identify and nurture the next generation of champions.
Strathmore junior convenor and manager of Perth and Kinross County Golf’s U16 squad, Iain Butchart, has watched Simpson (16) rise through the ranks and begin to make his mark.
“Alex has so much natural ability and works very hard at his game,” Iain said. “He started being coached at Strathmore by Gareth Couzens but when he entered the Scottish academy Kevin Hale took over.
“I believe he has the drive, ambition and ability to make it as a professional and over the next two years as a junior will make his mark at national, and given the chance, international level.
“I had the pleasure to caddy for Carly Booth on many occasions and think I can recognise exceptional talent, which is what Alex has.
“I believe Alex will come out stronger after the Faldo Series. He had a decent first round, only dropping two shots for a 73.
“His second round had four bogeys but seven birdies for a three-under par 68.
“Day three was a disappointment but he will take the positives from the experience and will become a better player. As I have always told him ‘you have to learn to lose first then the winning will follow’.
“He has loads of ability but he is willing to learn and improve. He now thinks his way round the course and has improved all aspects of his game.”
There’s been a number of talented youth golfers produced by Strathmore in recent years, who have received national recognition, and Iain believes the secret is a simple one.
“Strathmore Golf Centre is very supportive of junior golf as they see it as their future,” he said. “They pay a PGA professional to give free lessons to the kids.
“We then have a certificate system set up on the nine hole course and the fun handicaps are available before I decide if they are ready for the full course and a Congu handicap.
“We have already produced two assistant professionals in Rory Tinker (Piperdam) and Hannah Robb (Elie). Emily Aird and Michael Brodie are both on golf scholarships in
America.
“Megan Aird is looking to work in golf hospitality after recently qualifying and Tod Bannerman has just started a green keepers course at Elmwood.
“We currently have Kirsty Brodie, Amy Mitchell and Alex all in the Scottish Academy - the only club in Scotland last year to have three.”
The success is expected to continue, Iain reckons, and he added: “I believe Strathmore will keep producing good players because of the structured set up in place.
“My role as convenor is to give the juniors opportunities to reach their potential and I have then only to encourage them and give them any help and support to achieve their goals.
“Next year I expect huge things for Alex, Kirsty, Amy and Megan Ashley. We are also bucking the trend with attracting new members this year. Six are girls bringing our girls total members to 15.”
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