Catriona Matthew’s victory in the Ricoh Women’s British Open definitely sticks out as the most uplifting Scottish sports story of the summer.

At 39, and a Mum of two, someone who has proved (in her own understated way) that she is a rare and exceptional talent put the seal on an outstanding career by becoming the first Scottish woman to win a major title.  

Now the time is ripe for the Scottish women’s game to plug into Catriona’s success and, even already, she has helped inspire the next generation.

The Scottish Girls’ team, who were competing in the Junior Home Internationals at nearby Fairhaven the following week, cheered their heroine down the final hole at Royal Lytham and St Annes on the final Sunday of the British Open.

Ailsa Bain, the Scottish Girls’ Champion, summed up the feelings of jubilation. “It was unbelievable! When my team mates and I walked onto the green there were so many spectators and people taking pictures and we all just couldn’t stop smiling. It will definitely be a moment I will never, ever forget.”

The Scottish team were tipped to leave with the wooden spoon at the Girls’ Home Internationals – but they managed to beat Ireland, the European Junior Champions, and came a close second to England. 

Kevin Craggs, the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association’s national coach, is convinced it was the first fruit of the ‘Catriona Feel-good Factor’.

The hope is that it will be more of the same at this month’s Home Internationals at Irvine Golf Club (September 9-11) and Scottish team Captain Lesley Nicholson is confident. “We have a very strong team and I think we have an excellent chance of winning the title,” she said.

“Since Catriona’s win, all our girls seem to have hit form. At the British Open Strokeplay Championship at Royal Aberdeen, five of our team finished in the top ten. Claire Hargan, (the team manager) Kevin and I have done a lot of work on team building.

“We’ve had a couple of organised practice days, and Irvine has also generously given the players courtesy of the course all year.  Home advantage could be the key.”

Craggs contacted Catriona immediately after her win and offered hearty words of congratulation. In return, she has generously offered to make a contribution to the SLGA’s winter programme. 

Craggs knows her words of wisdom will have a massive impact. “I heard Catriona talk a few years ago and she emphasised that golf is all about developing natural talent. It is something that struck home. Science is good, but sometime we do lose sight of the basic golfing fundamentals. 

“Catriona pointed out that the players on Tour who were mechanically obsessed tended to have a short shelf life.

“This summer, I also was lucky to spend some time with Seve Ballesteros.  He has the same philosophy – that it is natural talent and hard work that creates great golf champions. “
 
Craggs recently hosted the SLGA’s annual ‘talent identification’ day at Brucefields Golf Centre in Stirling and he was delighted with the response. 

“It was open to under-15 girls with a handicap of four or better, and the group that turned up this year was definitely the most talented. Many of them will be invited to join this winter’s Development Training Squad.”

In a few years, some of the girls picked out from the talent spotting initiative could be competing in the Home Internationals – looking further head they could turn professional and dream of following in Catriona Matthew’s footsteps. They can now aim high - “If she can do it, then so can I.”  

The Scottish team competing in the Home Internationals is Carly Booth (Comrie), Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm), Louise Kenney (Pitreavie), Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar), Laura Murray (Alford), Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle), Jane Turner (Craigielaw), Kylie Walker (Buchanan Castle).

The Scottish draw is:
September 9 v Ireland;
September 10 v England;
September 11 v Wales 

Spectators welcome.

EB
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