Golf News  

Sally back on the tee

Scotland's Sally Watson, who played in the Curtis Cup at the age of just 16 in June, is well on the road to recovery following a summer operation for a torn cruciate ligament and a cartilage tear in her right knee.

Just three months after the surgery was successfully carried out by the renowned Scottish sports injury specialist, Gordon Mackay, 17-year-old Sally is now back at the David Leadbetter Academy in Florida.

She is already gearing up for a return to tournament play. "Everything has gone really well, and I've got to thank my surgeon, Gordon Mackay, my physiotherapist, Stuart Barton, and all the help I have received from the Scottish Institute of Sport," said the Elie youngster.

"I have been putting and chipping, and have just started hitting balls again this week. Unfortunately, I'm not going to be quite ready in time to play in next month's Home Internationals, but I want to take my time and make sure the knee is really strong.

"The target is to be back playing tournament golf in some mini tour events in America in January."

Gordon Mackay, who has reconstructed knees and shoulders for many of Scotland's leading sporting talents, is also delighted with Sally's progress.

"The injury was very similar to Tiger Woods' problem - and the good news for both is that I think they could come back as even better players," said Mr Mackay. "They've both been playing for some time achieved with a bad knee, so the surgery can actually enhance their future performances."

Sally initially suffered her injury when she was a talented junior basketball prospect - now she has her sights set on becoming a world-class golf professional.