Downfield's Chris bids to master Ladybank

Chris McMaster is aiming to play a part in the future of Scottish golf after moving to Dundee’s Downfield Golf Club.

McMaster is set to tee off in the Scottish qualifying event of Titleist & FootJoy PGA Professional Championship which takes place on April 26 at LadyBank Golf Club in Fife.

The 32-year-old has been at Downfield for less than two months after taking a new position as a teaching professional.

And he says the club’s efforts to attract new, younger member to the game is one of the reasons he made the move.

“Scotland is the home of golf which is why we should be proud of the game and ensure its future,” said the PGA professional.

“When you hear of clubs closing, you realise people in the game have to do something about it.

“My former club is Kinross and there used to be a six-year waiting list to join, that’s not the case now.”

McMaster says Downfield are making a concerted effort to attract new players under 30 and juniors.

“We want to make golf affordable for anyone who wants to get involved, particularly younger players,” he said.

“There was an open day earlier this month and there’s another one in September,

“It was one of the main reasons I wanted to take the job at Downfield.”

McMaster made it to last year’s final at The Oxfordshire course, but he missed the cut after carding five over par.

Now he wants to ensure he qualifies for this year’s £78,000 showpiece occasion which is being held between June 13-16  at Luttrellstown Castle Golf Club near Dublin.

“I still take the playing side very seriously and I’m feeling pretty good after starting the year well,” he said.

“Last year’s final was a great experience, it would be good to go there and get better - and there is an extra incentive with the final being played in Ireland.

“That’s somewhere I’ve never played before so I hope I can make the final again.”

Also set to take part in the event at Ladybank Golf Club are:   Neil Cameron (Blairgowrie Golf Club); Murray Urquhart (Nairn Golf Club);  Lewis Burnett (Mearns Castle Golf Academy); Scott Wilson (St Andrews Links Golf Academy); David Stein  (Ranfurly Castle Golf Club) and  Ewan Grimes (Carrick on Loch Lomond).