NATIONAL CHAMPIONS HEAD TO PORTUGAL - 14th Jan 2005

Scottish Amateur Champion George Murray and Stroke Play Champion Richie Ramsay will continue their preparation for the season ahead when they fly to Portugal next week (Tuesday 18 January).

The duo, along with five other members from Scotland's Senior Squad, will spend a week at the Quinta de Ria Golf Resort in the Eastern Algarve.

Murray, of Earlsferry Thistle, took the Scottish Match Play Crown at Gullane in July, defeating youngster Paul O'Hara by 1 hole in the nail biting final showdown.

Meanwhile, Royal Aberdeen ace Richie Ramsay stormed to a 15 under par total in the Scottish Stroke Play ahead of a high-class international field at Lundin in May. His 72 hole aggregate total was the lowest ever recorded in the event's 37 year history.

On the Player Development Camp in Portugal, the squad will follow an intensive programme of coaching and playing over the championship course. The trip gives them the opportunity to practice together in a climate conducive to good golf. It is a continuation of the Scottish Golf Union's plans to ensure that Scottish elite squads are given the most thorough preparatory schedules available.

Accompanied by National Coach Ian Rae, the squad will receive coaching focusing on all aspects of their game. During the week, they will follow a set programme of events including warm up preparation, long and short game practice, and gym sessions.

"The Player Development Camps abroad and winter coaching programmes in Scotland are an extremely important part of players' preparation for the season ahead," said National Coach Ian Rae.

"Once again we have a busy domestic and international schedule ahead, including the European Team Championships in July. It is vital that we start working with the players this early to build their game before the season starts.

"Going to Portugal will also allow us to get the players back onto the course, something which is difficult to do in Scotland at this time of year. They can put into practice what we have been working on in coaching sessions."

Also included in the squad for Portugal are five other members from Scotland's 2004 Home Internationals team - Graeme Brown (Royal Montrose), Glenn Campbell (Blairgowrie), Andrew McArthur (Windyhill), Eric Ramsay (Carnoustie) and Lloyd Saltman (Craigielaw)

Related Links

• http://www.scottishgolfunion.org

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