University of Stirling golfer Gemma Batty reached new heights this week when she lifted the Slovenian International Ladies Amateur Championship title in the Alps.
The business and sport student played an impressive 72 holes of golf – four rounds – across three days at Bled Golf Course to win her first international amateur stroke play trophy.
Speaking after the event, Gemma said: “It was a great experience to play at Bled Golf Course – it is such a beautiful setting and the course was in superb condition. Competing at that standard brings out the best in my golf and I was able to use this to bring my game on over the three days.
“I also had the opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of Slovenia. It’s very special to be able to visit and compete in such a stunning country. To come out and win is the icing on the cake.”
Gemma was joined at the competition by Stirling golf scholars ChloéGoadby, Jennifer Saxton and Tara Mactaggart. Jennifer made her first international amateur cut, while Chloé finished in the top 15.
Dean Robertson, performance golf coach at the University of Stirling, said: “I’m extremely proud of what Gemma has achieved – her continued hard work and dedication allow her to achieve these results.
“This was a fabulous new experience for our student athletes, giving them the opportunity to meet a new crop of international talent from Eastern Europe. The competition was also run in conjunction with the men’s championship which brought male and female athletes together and created a unique and exciting atmosphere.
“Our international golf scholarship programme gives students the chance to compete all around the world and visiting Slovenia for this championship has been a wonderful experience for the entire team, giving them the chance to embrace another culture.”
Just last month Gemma celebrated success at the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Golf Championship as the only female player in the field. With Gemma’s help, the University of Stirling golf team currently holds the grand slam of student golf titles which comprises the BUCS team match play and stroke play championships and the European Universities Golf Championship.
Stirling – Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence - was the first university in the UK to offer golf scholarships with R&A and has supported more than 180 student golfing athletes to date.
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