Immersive golf studio launched for golf scholars at Stirling
Funded by the Macleod Foundation, the facility will help golfers perfect their game
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A new state-of-the-art indoor golf studio at the University of Stirling will enable golf scholars to use data-driven insights to perfect their game.
Powered by Trackman, the global leader in ball flight analysis and performance tracking technology, the simulator will allow Stirling golfers to play the best courses in the world from the University campus, while providing detailed analysis on their technique.
Funded through a grant from the Macleod Foundation, and launched by Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, the Performance Golf Studio further enhances the facilities at the on-campus Golf Pavilion.
Dean Robertson, Head of Golf (middle), pictured alongside golf scholars Louise Duncan and Ross Laird in the new facility.
Dean Robertson, Head of Golf at the University of Stirling, said: “The University of Stirling is one of the top destinations for golf scholars in the UK – with many of our alumni going on to compete in the professional game – such as Catriona Matthew OBE, Richie Ramsay and Graeme Robertson.
“Our Performance Golf Studio further elevates the excellent facilities we have here at Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence and complements our existing coaching methods, delivered here at Stirling and out on course. The technology allows our golfers to realistically simulate playing on some of the best courses in the world, while using data-driven insights to hone their technique.
“We are thankful to the Macleod Foundation for its ongoing support and look forward to seeing our scholars reap the benefits of the new facility in the coming months and years.”
The Performance Golf Studio creates a stunningly authentic environment for golfers to practice.
The Performance Golf Studio – located beside the campus Golf Pavilion – has two bays which combine radar and camera technology to provide a realistic and immersive experience. Golfers can choose to play a host of top courses, with the premium graphics engine, realistic 3D audio and virtual atmospherics creating a stunningly authentic environment, where weather changes and conditions evolve.
Golfers play their ball into the screen, which accurately tracks projection, and performance data – including club speed, launch angle, spin rate and carry distance – which is instantly made available on a bay-side monitor. Working with Dean, the golfers can use the data to analyse their performance and adjust in pursuit of perfecting their game.
Neal Hughes, from the Macleod Foundation, said: “The Macleod Foundation has been a supporter of the University of Stirling golf programme for over 40 years, and we are delighted to be able to contribute to its continued success whether by supporting students directly or by assisting in capital projects such as this.”
Cathy Gallagher, Executive Director of Sport at the University of Stirling, said: “We are delighted to launch our new Performance Golf Studio – a unique and important addition to our high-performance golf environment, as we seek to recruit, develop and nurture the next generation of golfing talent.
“Thank you to the Macleod Foundation for supporting its creation – we know that it will become an integral part of our programme, an excellent facility for our golfers, and the wider community.”
The studio was unveiled by Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, middle back row. He was joined by (L-R) David Bond (Head of Performance Sport), Louise Duncan (golf scholar), Cathy Gallagher (Executive Director of Sport), Dean Robertson (Head of Golf), and Ross Laird (golf scholar, at front).
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 cover all Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games sports.
Read more about sports scholarships at the University of Stirling.