Better than birdie for Saints golfers

A student at the University of St Andrews has claimed the top prize from the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS), the national governing body for Higher Education Sport in the United Kingdom.

First year physics student Matthew Myers from Northampton was named British Individual Stroke Play Champion and awarded the Order of Merit title after a hard fought battle at the BUCS Tour Final at Prince’s Golf Club in Kent this week.

Speaking after his win, Myers said: “This win not only represents my achievements as an individual player but speaks to the strength of the golf programme at St Andrews. My coaches and teammates have created an environment where we are constantly striving to bring out the best in each other. I’m a better player because of this and this is a moment for us to enjoy as a team.”

Saints Golf Performance Programme from University of St Andrews on Vimeo.

Director of Sport and Exercise Stephen Stewart said: “We are incredibly proud of Matthew’s achievement. Such a win so early in his university career points to great things in his future. We wait in anticipation for all that he will do in the months and years to come.

“Our coaching staff are world-class. Behind all of our outstanding athletes are men and women who work hard to help hone the abilities of our students. David Watt and his team deserve a hearty congratulations for the work that they do day in and out with these golfers that make such honours possible.”

While the BUCS Tour Final is predominantly an individual tournament, the aggregate stroke play of several nominated St Andrews athletes at the final have qualified both the Saints Golf men’s and women’s teams for the BUCS European Tour this summer in the Czech Republic.

Director of Golf and Head Coach, David Watt, said: “We extremely proud of not just Matthew but all the players. Their team spirit and support for each other is infectious and is improving our performances on the course. Matthew has worked extremely hard all year and deserves all the praise. He never gives up and knows what he needs to do to achieve his goals, he is a great role model for others and along with fellow student George Burns’ win in the Boyd Quaich last summer shows we are moving in the right direction.”

Notes to editors

Saints Sport

Saints Sport manages all sport and fitness related activities, services and facilities at the University of St Andrews and is a partnership between the Department of Sport and the Athletic Union. Saint Sports pride themselves on the students’ ability to excel both in their academic and sporting endeavours and hold the student experience as a cornerstone of their strategy.

Saints Sport are committed to developing the perfect environment for the pursuit of excellence, enhancing student experience and personal development through involvement in sport and increasing engagement in sport within and out with the University. Each strand of the programme helps to work towards Saints Sport’s goal and provides the best possible springboard for graduates into the world, to help develop staff and provide opportunities for the community.

Sport at the University of St Andrews is not just a game; it is the foundation for a successful and rewarding life, in which graduates strive ever to excel.

British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS)

British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) is the national governing body for Higher Education (HE) sport in the UK, a membership organisation, and a company limited by guarantee with charitable status.

BUCS support and promote the lifestyle and educational benefits to communities and individuals of taking part in sport, and provide outstanding opportunities to all students to engage in sport and related activity in higher education. They do this through three key themes: sport, education and development and profile.

BUCS deliver more than 50 sports, including everything from archery to ultimate frisbee to almost 170 member institutions (now including some Further Education Colleges), comprising a busy league programme of over 5800 teams and over 120 championships events every year.