Numerous Scottish golfers have gone down the road of the US college scholarship system in a bid to further their careers. But it is also possible to achieve success via a home-based university, as Emma Fairnie has proved with her selection for last month's World University Games in Thailand.   
 
The 19-year-old is studying sports science at Edinburgh University and was joined by Stirling's Gavin Dear as the two Scots in the seven-strong British team in Bangkok.
 
"Academically, I decided it was better to stay at home," explained Emma, who plays off a two handicap at Dunbar. "The university and the course has been really helpful for my golf, and I'm certainly pleased to be in Edinburgh.
 
"I could have gone to America but, for me, I think I definitely made the right decision. My game is progressing and I'm also enjoying the university course."  In other words, she's a teenager who reckons she has got the best of both worlds.
 
Catriona Matthew, Scotland's current No.1, also followed the home-based route to the top. She gained a business and accountancy degree from Stirling University before heading to the States and a hugely lucrative career on the LPGA Tour.
 
This season, Emma has won the Scottish Universities' Order of Merit and was fourth in the British Universities' Championships and has gained a place in the Scottish Under-21 squad. 
 
Originally from the Borders - she was twice a county champion when representing Peebles - she started her senior schooling at Hawick High School before moving to Musselburgh following the award of a golf scholarship at Loretto School.
 
She now plays for East Lothian and has also earned a couple of Scottish junior caps and her game has continued to make rapid improvement under the guidance of her long time coach, Borders-based Frank Scott.
 
Ideally, Emma would love to carve out a career in her chosen sport. "I've got three more years at university and, there is no doubt about it, I would then love to turn professional and play tournament golf," she said.
 
"But I've also got to make a living and so I would have to see how it works out. Otherwise, I would like to be a teaching professional.
 
Either way, Fairnie looks set to have a successful career in front of her.

EB

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