Sports performance manager Raleigh Gowrie argues that young golfers need not rush to the US
Richie Ramsay's recent success at the US Amateur Golf Championship proved to be a worthy achievement for a committed and level-headed competitor. Of course, his record as a junior internationalist demonstrated his talents and potential at a young age. Some may argue that his undoubted natural ability paved the way for his achievements on the international stage.
There is some truth to this. However, it is safe to say that Richie has received considerable support from various sources, most notably the Scottish Golf Union where he has enjoyed all the benefits of linking into the high-quality national senior squad programmes. Moreover, as a recipient of a highly acclaimed golf scholarship at the University of Stirling, Richie has gained coaching and sports science support, winter training camps abroad and significant funding to support his competitive travels that have seen him attend competitions just about everywhere from Angus to Australia during his time as a student.
Stirling's track record in helping produce golfing talent is strong and includes the likes of Walker Cup players Colin Dalgleish and Gordon Sherry, and Solheim Cup stars Catriona Matthew and Maria Hjorth to name but a few.
Its programme, supported by the R&A, demonstrates that Britain's best young golfers need not head over the pond to America to combine their sport with their academic studies.
The nature-nurture debate is an interesting phenomenon and there is no definitive answer. What is clear, however, is that Richie has more than just talent. He is blessed with giftedness. But this has been supported at the right time with critical components of talent development from agents and agencies that are not only concerned with winning medals, but just as importantly, with the holistic development of the individual.
No matter the debate, Richie Ramsay's name is engraved on the famous golden trophy alongside golfing legends Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. What Scotland would give for Richie holding a similar playing record as these named counterparts?
Raleigh Gowrie is the sports performance manager of Stirling University, where US Amateur golf champion Richie Ramsey is a student
