Scottish Golf Regional Performance Development Programme launches with over 170 applications received

Selected players will begin coaching and development sessions in October.

Scottish Golf’s Regional Performance Development Programme (RPDP) opened to applications in July this year, offering up to 80 places across Scotland, with up to 48 players beginning training and development sessions as soon as next month. 

The programme aims to provide more players with access to high-quality coaching, development opportunities and performance support, helping them progress on their journey towards national squads and future success in the game. It is designed to create a consistent, structured development approach across Scotland, strengthen the pipeline of players that will drive results at the highest level, while ensuring opportunities are accessible to players regardless of their background or location. The RPDP represents a significant investment in the future of Scottish golf to build a stronger pipeline of players capable of succeeding at the highest levels of the game.

The £188,000 a year investment is jointly funded by Scottish Golf and sportscotland, the national agency for sport in Scotland. 

In July 2026, over 170 applications were received in a 3-week period, across Central, West and East regions, demonstrating not only the appetite among young golfers to engage with development opportunities, but also the depth of emerging talent across the country. The selection process, which includes feedback from Areas and Counties, is currently being finalised and will soon see eight boys and eight girls in each region forming the first three regional squads. 

Following a highly competitive recruitment process, 6 Regional Performance Coaches have been appointed. They are Oliver Morton, Karyn Dallas, Andy Cheese, Calum Lawson; and Alexander Culverwell and Alyson McKechin, both of whom are previous Scottish Amateur Champions and Internationalists. 

Clare Queen, Head of Performance and Pathway, commented:

We are really excited about what the Regional Performance Development Programme will offer in how we develop the talent pipeline in Scotland. This is a big step towards an accessible, open system with clear pathway structures for those golfers who demonstrate a commitment to reaching the highest levels of the game. I’m particularly looking forward to working with our 6 new coaches, all who bring passion and a wealth of experience with them. 

For those interested in being considered for the next intake (Phase Two), applications in the North, North East and South West will open on the 16 September, and close on 30 September.

The official development programme kicks off in October 2026, combining squad training days, on-course playing and development days, and educational opportunities. Players will be challenged and supported to develop the technical, tactical, physical, mental and behavioural skills required to reach their potential.