The gold medal-winning performances in the Youth Olympics of two of their students has “thrilled” the St Andrews Links Golf Academy.
Bradley Neil and Ewan Scott, who both receive tuition from academy instruction staff, won gold in the boy’s golf team event at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival over the Twin Creeks course on the outskirts of Sydney.
Neil, who is from Blairgowrie and is coached by Kevin Hale, came fourth in the individual boy’s competition with rounds of 69, 70, 69 and 69 (11-under), while Scott finished eighth in the individual competition with rounds of 67, 72, 72 and 69 (eight-under).
The pair’s combined scores and great play in soaring temperatures ensured Team GB clinched gold in the team event.
The duo’s gold run continues their good form from 2012 where both enjoyed trophy-laden seasons, with Scott lifting the Faldo Series Europe Grand final and Neil finishing top points scorer in the home internationals.
For 17-year-old Neil the gold medal capped a great spell in Australia after he finished fifth in the prestigious 2013 Australian master of the amateurs the number one amateur event in Australia at Royal Melbourne Golf Club.
Fellow academy student, 16-year-old Lauren Whyte, who is the reigning Scottish Girls’ Champion, was also representing Team GB and finished ninth in the girl’s individual strokeplay event.
Whyte, who also receives tuition from Hale, finished six-over par for the week on Twin Creeks, with rounds of 76, 67, 76 and 75.
Academy director of instruction, Steve North, who coaches Scott, said: “Everyone at the academy is absolutely thrilled that Bradley and Ewan have won gold for Team GB. They both performed brilliantly in very difficult conditions with temperatures soaring in Sydney over the week.
“I spoke with Ewan shortly after they received their medals and he was thrilled with the victory. He said the heat they had experienced had been unbearable at times and play was suspended at one point because it was simply too hot.
“All three of our golfers can be very proud of their achievements they represented Team GB with distinction against some of the most talented young golfers from across the globe.”
Scott and Neil clinched gold in the team event against representatives from Argentina, Australia, Japan, Korea, China, New Zealand and Chinese Taipei.
The three local golfers were part of a 120-strong Team GB that competed in Australia.