Mentor Dean Robertson will again team up with Louise Duncan as the young Scot seeks to establish herself in the professional ranks at the LET Q School in December.
Robertson, the two-time tour winner and director of performance at the University of Stirling, was Duncan’s caddie during her British Women’s Amateur victory in 2021.
He took the bag again in both her outstanding performances in the AIG Women’s Open, at Carnoustie last year and Muirfield this year.
La Manga Q School test
Louise Duncan nearly the finished article as a contender at the top level, believes Dean Robertson
That finish of tied for 19th in August was the 22-year-old first professional cheque. Next month she bids for a full season on the LET at La Manga in Spain and Robertson will be on the bag again.
“Dean’s so level-headed,” said Duncan, who attended Stirling where Robertson has become one of the most innovative and successful developers of young talent.
“He’s been there before and he knows exactly what he’s doing. He’s very patient, he enjoys the game and most of all he enjoys seeing players do well.”
Louise won’t be short of support as she starts her first full season as a pro, with Edinburgh investment management firm Baillie Gifford signing her up as a brand ambassador. Car giant Arnold Clark are also backing her.
As well as the high point at Muirfield, it’s been a tough year for the bright and likeable player from West Kilbride. Her father died after a long illness, and she’s had just two starts since the Women’s Open.
But she feels ready for the pre-qualifier at La Manga on December 10-13, followed by the final stage of five rounds from December 17-21.
‘It is just another tournament’
“It has all really been building up to the next few weeks,” she said. “I’ve been trying to keep out on the golf course as much as possible to try and keep things ticking over. It’s been a good journey so far.
“I’ve spoken to other people about Q-School and they’ve all said, at the end of the day, it is just another tournament.
“It has different consequences and it’s two weeks if you get all the way through. You just need to keep going, don’t ever think you’re out of it, don’t get ahead of yourself.You just need to keep the head down and survive.”
Louise is also represented by Bounce Management, who also manage Robert MacIntyre, Stephen Gallacher and Calum Hill.
‘Companies in Scotland are getting behind our sportspeople’
BACKING THE FUTURE…✍️🏽
A huge day for @louiseeduncan as we announce a major new partnership with Investment Management Giant; Baillie Gifford 🤝🏽
Calton Hill in Edinburgh behind @BaillieGifford HQ providing the stunning backdrop 🌄
⛳️🏴🏌🏼♀️😎
— Bounce (@bouncespmgt) November 24, 2022
“Baillie Gifford becoming a major partner of Louise for the next wee while gives her a chance to really flourish,” said Bounce’s Iain Stoddart.
“Baillie Gifford are Scotland’s major investment management fund and a huge success story. I think this deal speaks volumes of their commitment and how companies in Scotland are beginning to get behind our elite sportspeople.
“You can see how successful Louise has been as an amateur, but it’s a different story when you turn professional. To have somebody like Baillie Gifford can definitely give you a good chance.
“We’ve seen cases in the past in Scotland where players try to shine on the world stage and just not have the backing or financial clout or direction.
“It shouldn’t be under-estimated. I know some people will say ‘it’s just a corporate backing’, but without it, the things you are trying to achieve just aren’t possible.”
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