Share

The Craig Group strengthens its commitment to the North-East’s golfing talent

One of Scotland’s top young golfers has secured a new sponsorship deal with one of Aberdeen’s most successful and established family businesses.

Global shipping and energy services firm, The Craig Group, has entered a sponsorship agreement with Walker Cup star James Byrne.

The 22-year-old, who was born in Gorleston, England, but relocated to Banchory three weeks later and has lived there ever since, played a key role in the recent Great Britain and Ireland’s Walker Cup victory over the United States.

He has also recently enjoyed a top-30 finish in the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles, as well as a top-50 finish in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

Golf has been central to James’ life for several years - since 2005 he has represented Scotland at every age group and has enjoyed a very successful amateur career, including a win at the 2007 Scottish Boys’ Strokeplay Championship and four wins on the Scottish Order of Merit circuit.

Last year, the Arizona State University graduate finished runner-up in the Amateur Championship and in recognition of his successful season he was awarded Scottish Amateur Golfer of the Year 2010.

James said he is particularly pleased to have secured sponsorship from The Craig Group.

He said: “I’m really grateful for the overwhelming support being shown by The Craig Group – if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be able to compete in distant locations nor afford the coaching and caddying help that I need.

“I have an extremely exciting and busy year ahead and am looking forward to the challenge of competing against the best golfers in the world.”

Commenting on the sponsorship, chairman and managing director of The Craig Group, Douglas Craig, said: “The Craig Group is delighted to help James get the best possible start in his professional golfing career. As a local family business it’s important to support the community and one part of that is encouraging and supporting the golfing talent in the North East of Scotland.

“We have always been supportive of golf, in particular young and up-coming golfers, and James is a credit to the sport.

“I wish him every success in the future.”

James is currently competing in the Singapore Open, which takes place from the 10-13 of November.

He will then take part in the Iskandar Johor Open in Malaysia from the 17-20 of November, followed by the JBWere Australian Masters in December.

The Craig Group continues to sponsor Aberdeen PGA European Tour Pro Richie Ramsay while the Kings Links Golf Centre, which is owned by the Craig Group, continues to sponsor Aberdeen golfer Scott Henderson underlining its commitment to the region’s more experienced players.

Kings Links Golf Centre, the largest independent facility of its kind in the North East, continues to attract thousands of golfers each year looking to take advantage of the PGA professional instructors, such as Paul Girvan, Steve Craig, Gary Lochhead and Katie Thomson, to give expert advice on the game.

145 views