Brora golfer, Calum Stewart, crowned a season of high achievements by qualifying for last month’s Faldo Series Grand Final in Brazil.

A member of the SGU National under 16 squad (Development) for three years, Calum slashed his handicap from 3.3 to 0.8 in 2008.  Equally impressively he was selected for the Scottish team on four separate occasions. 
 
Interspersed through a summer which saw him win the North of Scotland Boys matchplay he worked through the Nick Faldo series.  In May he won the event’s Scottish Qualifying at the Carrick, in August won the Regional Final at the Roxburghe.
 
This last victory sealed his place in the team travelling to the Costa do Sauipe Resort in Northern Brazil where he joined talented golfers from Faldo Series tournaments from over 15 countries worldwide.
With temperatures over 30 degrees it was clear this was going to be a test of stamina as well as golfing skill. 
 
And it wasn't just the heat that was a new experience for Calum, his struggle with the tricky Bermuda grass greens reflected in his scores of 80, 81 and 79, the course par being 72.
 
His total of 240 was sufficient to see finish in a highly respectable ninth place in the Under-15s section.
 
“It was an awesome experience and I’d love to get the opportunity to repeat it and go back next year,” said Calum, whose trip to Brazil included a clinic with Nick Faldo (plus a soccer competition against Brazil which Scotland won!). 
 
“It was completely different weather and courses from what I’m used to. I hit the ball quite well in the long game but I struggled a bit getting used to the different grains on the green. “
 
Calum has now begun his winter training which will include work both inside and out.  As a member of the Highland Institute of Sport, which helps Scottish governing body-identified athletes by providing high performance expertise, he has access to essential support services locally in sports medicine, sports science, strength and conditioning, and give career and lifestyle guidance.
 
“The Highland Institute has been very helpful,” said Callum.  “The strength and conditioning training gives you a lot more flexibility and you can do more things with your golf swing.  I’ve also got a lot stronger so I can hit the ball further and get closer to the greens. “ 
 
When first talent spotted for the SGU Highland Academy in 2004 as one of its youngest ever members Calum was dwarfed by older members.
 
“When he started with us as an 11 year old he was four and a half foot tall, struggling to find a pair of golf shoes to fit him,” said Stuart Morrison his coach, Academy Manager and Professional at Tain Golf Club.
 
“He’s now touching six foot, size twelve boots and is thumping the ball as long as anyone.  He’s the leader of the group rather than the young little guy he was when he started. 
 
“Calum’s development physically has been huge and a lot of that is attributable to HIS with their specific golf structured Strength & Conditioning programme.   To see the difference in development has been tremendous and as his body changes he’s been able to evolve his golf with it.
 
“Calum has a drive about him that he wants to be very good and succeed.  If you break down the season he’s had, with his handicap reduction, representing his country and winning regional events, and winning nationally through the Faldo series and getting the opportunity to go to Brazil and finishing ninth – he’s had a tremendous year.”