Two years on from when he sold shares in himself to kick start his professional golf career, Duncan Stewart has “doubled up” in his quest to reach the European Tour in 2014.
The Grantown-on-Spey player has secured a second year of financial backing from Scottish Golf Support Limited (SGSL), the Scottish Government-sponsored scheme that aims to help new professionals find their feet after leaving the amateur game.
Stewart has also been supported by the similar Scottish Team Hydro programme, meaning he will benefit from a full Challenge Tour schedule as he aims to make the main circuit after narrowly missing out last year.
Stewart is joined on the SGSL scheme in 2014 by double Scottish amateur champion David Law, who will play a full Challenge Tour schedule this year, and by Ladies European Tour members and former Curtis Cup players Pamela Pretswell and Sally Watson.
Each of the four will receive £23,000 in direct funding support and access to the full range of services from the sportscotland institute of sport, including medical, physiotherapy, strength and conditions and psychology.
Stewart sold shares in himself to Grantown club members and supporters as he made his way through from the third-tier EuroPro Tour, with former Open champion Paul Lawrie among those who signed up for both years.
“I’m delighted to receive Scottish Golf Support Ltd funding again this year,” said Stewart. “There is no doubt in my mind it played a huge role for me last season. It wasn’t just the financial side that made a difference it was havingaccess to the institute’s resources.
“I don’t think it was just a coincidence that my season took off after I started working with Kris Dun (sport psychologist) and Dr Malcolm Fairweather (head of science and innovation). I’m looking forward to working with them again this year and hopefully it will be another successful year.”
Pretswell, who like Stewart is part of the Team Hydro scheme, gained her LET playing rights by winning the tour’s access series last year.
“The support I have received from Scottish Golf Support Ltd has just been incredible and I can’t thank the board enough for their continued support,” she said.
“The financial support is fantastic, especially as the LET has now become a more global tour with a large part of the season now being played in places such as Australia, China and South Africa.
“The additional support services available have played a major role and been extremely helpful in helping me make the transition from amateur to LET Access player to LET professional. I found my feet last season and my main goal is finish in the top 30 on the Order of Merit this season.”
Law, who also has the benefit of being supported by mentor Lawrie’s Foundation and Golf Centre, has already won two professional events and joins the scheme for the first time.
“Scott Henry and Duncan have told me how much they have benefitted from the programme, so I’m looking forward to all the support and my first season on the Challenge Tour,” added Law.
Watson, 22, the Stanford University graduate from North Queensferry, came through the LET Tour School in December and has her sights set on rookie of the year honours.
“I have no doubt that the support provided (by the SGSL) gives me the greatest opportunity of accomplishing this,” she said.
SGSL will continue to have former Ryder Cup player Andrew Coltart and top-ranked European Tour coach Pete Cowen support the quartet, as well as other younger players at SGU and SLGA level.
Institute support is also being retained for former SGSL beneficiaries Kylie Walker and two-time Scottish Boys champion Scott Henry.