McCloskey lands coaching award

Alan McCloskey (fourth right) has capped a memorable year by winning the 2014 sportscotland/South Lanarkshire Coach and Volunteer Award.

The Bothwell Castle PGA Professional, who saw star pupil Stephen Gallacher represent Europe in the Ryder Cup, earned the accolade for his achievements over the past year.

His pupils range from tour players like Gallacher, Marc Warren and Scott Jamieson through to regular club players and beginners.

PGA in Scotland secretary Brian Mair (centre) along with Patrick Murphy, South Lanarkshire Council’s development service manager and Steven Lytham, sportscotland’s partnership manager travelled to Bothwell Castle to make the presentation in front of club officials and members.

Mair said: “This recognises Alan’s achievements during 2014. As I am sure all at Bothwell Castle Golf Club will agree, Alan is a well-respected coach in the Lanarkshire area and beyond.

“His pupils range from beginners, to regular club players to European Tour winning professionals to Ryder Cup winners and Alan has developed a fantastic reputation as Scotland’s “go-to” coach for many of our leading players.

“In the past year he has worked with the likes of Stephen Gallacher, Marc Warren, George Murray, Scott Jamieson, Paul McKechnie and Paul O’Hara.

"2014 has been a very special year in the history of golf in Scotland and we think that Alan McCloskey has played a hugely significant part in ensuring that we have a portfolio of successful golfers worthy of representing our country and our profession domestically and internationally – enhancing Scotland’s claim as the Home of Golf.”