Stirling golfer selected for major international competition

University of Stirling golfer Ross Laird will compete at this summer’s prestigious Arnold Palmer Cup in South Carolina, it has been announced.

The Ryder Cup-style annual competition for university and college golfers pits the United States against a rest of the world team.

Sports scholar Laird – in his second year studying Finance – is one of 12 golfers who will compete for Team International Men at the exclusive Congaree Golf Club in Ridgeland, Jasper County. Significantly, he is the only member of the men's team who studies outside of the United States.

Reacting to the news, Laird said: “It is an honour to be selected to play in this prestigious event. It will be a privilege to represent Team International at such a prolific golf course.”

The 21-year-old has enjoyed a successful time at Stirling. Last season, Laird was crowned the best male student golfer in the UK, winning the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Order of Merit. He was second in this year’s Order of Merit, and has recently returned from Spain, where he represented Scotland at the Men’s European Nations Championships. Notably, he also finished tied fifth in last year’s Torneo Internacional Copa Juan Carlos Tailhade competition in Argentina.

Opportunity

Dean Robertson, the University’s Head of Golf, said: “I am absolutely thrilled for Ross Laird on his well-deserved selection for the Arnold Palmer Cup. His work ethic, dedication and performances have earned him this opportunity to represent Stirling at this year’s competition – and there’s not a bigger stage in the amateur game to showcase his talent than at this prestigious event.

“We all wish him the very best of luck.”

The Arnold Palmer Cup was founded in 1997 and is a Ryder Cup-format tournament for top university golfers from across the globe, pitting the United States against a team comprised of international players. Often a milestone for up-and-coming golfers, many who have competed in the event have gone on to play on the PGA, LPGA, and European Tour. Several golf scholars from Stirling have competed in the Cup, including Graeme Robertson, Hazel MacGarvie and Lorna McClymont. This year's Arnold Palmer Cup takes place June 5-7.

Scholarships

At Stirling, athletes have access to world-class facilities, including a 50-metre pool, unrivalled outdoor space, and state-of-the-art strength and conditioning suites. In addition to its coaching and facilities, Stirling’s International Sports Scholarship Programme – one of the largest high-performance programmes in the UK – offers athletes funding support, academic flexibility, equipment and kit. It has supported hundreds of athletes since its inception in 1981 – with many competing on the world stage, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.

Core sports include golf, tennis, swimming, football, triathlon, rugby and curling, while individual scholarships include modern pentathlon, fencing, BMX racing, and orienteering.

Read more about sports scholarships at the University of Stirling.