Last updated: 05/03/08
Stirling celebrate in South Africa

The University of Stirling’s men’s golf team, the current British Universities’ champions, returned recently from a 10-day golf tour in South Africa that culminated in victory over Tshwane University, the reigning South African student champions. The 14-a-side match played over 2 days on Pretoria courses Woodhill and Wingate Park ended 15-13 in Stirling’s favour

The Stirling team, made up of all plus-figure handicap golfers, included Scotland representatives Gavin Dear, Gordon Yates and James White. Yates, a 4th year Sports Studies student and European Palmer Cup player, gained the plaudits in winning all 3 of his matches, never having to go beyond the 15th hole.

Stirling’s captain, 3rd year Sports Studies student Bobby Rushford, commented on his side’s victory:
‘The match proved to be extremely competitive and the standard of golf played throughout was exceptionally high. In defeating the South African champions, Stirling has, once again, proved its worth as a leading institution for golf.”

Stirling’s Head Golf Coach, Gordon Niven, outlined some of the reasons for his team’s success:
“The University of Stirling provides considerable investment into its golf programme. It boasts excellent on-campus practice facilities, supports a critical mass of talented players and provides them with numerous opportunities to compete at home and abroad.”

Stirling now looks forward to an intensive period of competitive golf including the British Universities’ Team Strokeplay and Matchplay championships throughout February and March and the week-long Scottish Universities’ event at Lossiemouth in early April.