GOLF - Inverness teenager set to represent Scotland for first time after being called into squad to take on Ireland and Wales
FRASER MacKenzie is being touted as one of the most promising prospects in Scottish Golf as he has been selected to represent his country next month.
The 13-year-old from Inverness has been called up to the Scotland squad to take part in a tri-nations tournament against Ireland and Wales at Enniscrone Golf Club in Sligo.
He is one of 10 players, which includes six boys and four girls, which will play for Scotland at the competition which takes place from April 16-18.
The competition will involve a series of singles and four-balls matches.
MacKenzie, who attends St Leonards School in St Andrews where he is a second year pupil, says it is an honour to be called up to represent his country.
He says he wants to make an impression at the tournament, looking to win his own matches and bring the trophy back to Scotland.
He said: “It is the first time I have been called up to play for Scotland and it is a proud moment.
“I was called up after playing a mixture of competitions throughout the season and also being part of the Scottish Golf training sessions.
“I am looking for us to win the competition and to win my games too.”
In addition, MacKenzie is set to compete at the World Independent School Championship which takes place in Boston in the United States in May.
MacKenzie is no stranger to competing in international competitions, having taken up the game six years ago and he was a member of Inverness Golf Club and Nairn Golf Club.
Among the competitions he has taken part in include the IMG Junior World Championships in 2023.
He showed that he had a real talent for the sport and is looking forward to competing in the forthcoming tournament as he looks to develop as a player.
He said: “I got into golf when my dad and grandad took me down to the driving range and then I started competing when I was seven.
“I already have had tournament years behind me already and I can’t wait to make the next steps.
“I have competed at competitions in California, Spain and Portugal and played across Europe a lot. But it will be good to get back to America again.”
Read: Dates are revealed for biggest competition in Inverness in 2025.
MacKenzie, attends St Leonards School in St Andrews where he is a member of their high performance golf squad. He plays with the school’s academy where he balances his academic studies with his golf coaching. As part of the programme, MacKenzie has access to all the courses at St Andrews, including the famous Old Course.
St Leonards director of golf Fintan Bonner, who coaches MacKenzie, describes him as a very promising talent who could go far in the sport.
Bonner said: “Fraser is ahead of the curve and is a talented gifted boy who is very coachable.
“I think you can stick him in any group and he would add an advantage to it.
“We have set him lofty goals on the under-14 and under-16 circuit.
“We will look to get him in contention for a Scotland jersey for the Home Internationals.
“He could be one of the youngest players to do that.”
MacKenzie says it is his ambition to become a professional golf player one day.
He said: “It is my ambition to become a professional golf player one day and play on the PGA Tour and also go to college in the United States.”
Read: Nairn Dunbar Golf Club one of seven venues to host North of Scotland Golf League for 2025
