R&A honours University’s golfing elite

Georgia Thomas, Katie Bradbury, Alexandra Saunders and Laurie Potter have each been awarded scholarships to help them to continue to develop their golf whilst in higher education.

This year the R&A has allocated over £250,000 to support University golf programmes, with the Exeter players joining around 100 of Europe’s top players in receiving individual awards.

In addition, first year golf dynamo Alexandra Saunders has also been awarded the Angela Uzielli Bursary.

Set up in memory of six time British Senior Champion and England captain, Angela Uzielli the award is designed to help promising English female golfers who wish to go into further education.

Alex is just one of four players from across the United Kingdom to receive the prestigious award this year following a rigorous selection process.

 “I had to write a letter of application to the EWGA Trust explaining why I merited the award.” She commented. “This had to be accompanied by two recommendations and a confidential report provided by the County Junior Organiser and the County Captain.  

“The application was then submitted to the EWGA Trust Management Committee who, in consultation with Mr John Uzielli, made the final decision on the granting of the Bursary.”

High Performance Manager Craig Townsend explained how these bursaries are essential to the development of student golf, he commented: “The University has a strong partnership with the R&A, working together to deliver the best possible golfing programme that we can for our students.

“It is testament to the talent that we have here that so many of our players are being recognised and supported by golf’s major organisations.”

“These bursaries are crucial in helping talented young golfers remain funded during their studies. Whether buying new equipment, travelling to competitions or getting extra coaching, staying at the top of your game can become very expensive so it is important that our players are supported in their endeavours wherever possible.”

Exeter’s golfers began their defence of the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) title with great gusto in the opening events of the winter season. Early individual victories for Laurie Potter and Katie Bradbury have been closely followed by success in the team events.

Current national champions, the first team travelled to Bucks New taking a 4:2 victory, with the seconds making use of the home advantage to see off Cardiff Met firsts 5.5:0.5.

The University of Exeter is currently ranked number one in the UK for student golf an accolade they are determined to retain this year.

Craig added: “It has been a strong start to the season for us, and I am very pleased with the progress that the squads are making. Defending a title is always harder than winning it, and there is a long way to go, but with the quality of our players and the support that we are able to offer them there is no doubt that we will be a force to reckoned with this season.”