Scots head Down Under - 25th Feb 2005

Two leading Scottish golfers will begin their bid to emulate Scotland’s 2003 success in Australia, when they embark on a month-long training trip down under this week.

Top Scots Graeme Brown (Royal Montrose) and Eric Ramsay (Carnoustie), will fly to ‘Oz’ later this week (Sunday 27 February) to follow an intensive preparation schedule in readiness for the hectic season of competition ahead.

They will play some of Australia’s best golf courses and practice at the impressive facilities at the Australian Institute of Sport, which has, in recent years produced world-class young players such as Aarron Baddeley and Adam Scott.

During the month-long trip, the players will compete in the Riversdale Cup (11 - 14 March) and the 100th Australian Amateur Championship (17 - 23 March).

Along with top Australian amateurs, leading golf nations from around the world send players to both tournaments, providing the Scottish duo with a stern early test.

Hopes for a tartan triumph are high following the outstanding win by Jack Doherty (Vale of Glamorgan) in the 2003 Australian Amateur Championship. The Welsh-based Scot, now competing in the professional ranks, defeated Bradley Iles (New Zealand) in the 36 hole final to become only the fifth non-Australian ever to win the title.

The Riversdale Cup is an Australian national selection trial event. Staged by Riversdale Golf Club, it is one of the premier tournaments on the Australian amateur schedule, with past champions including Jarrod Moseley (1996) and Robert Allenby (1990 / 91).

The Australian Amateur Championship will be played at Royal Melbourne Golf Club and Woodlands Golf Club. The oldest major championship in Australia, it is seen as a stepping-stone to international success, with recent champions including Michael Campbell.

The format of the event is 72 holes of stroke play, with a cut made to the leading 100 players and ties after the first 36 holes. The top 32 players after the final round qualify for elimination match play.

Last year, Andrew McArthur was the highest placed Scot in the Riversdale Cup, finishing the event in T15th place. Meanwhile in the Australian Amateur Championship, Eric Ramsay narrowly missed out on qualifying for the match play competition, losing a sudden death play off at the first hole, where seven players were fighting it out for the final five spots.

Related Links

• http://www.scottishgolfunion.org

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