University appoints first Director of Golf
Highly regarded golf coach Ian Muir has been appointed as the first permanent full-time Director of Golf at the University of St Andrews.
One of the most qualified coaches in Scotland, Ian has over 30 years of experience in coaching, working with both male and female players at a performance level within national squads, academic intuitions and as individuals.
Ian has been Hannah Darling’s coach for many years, achieving much success on a global scale. A Freshman at the University of North Carolina, Hannah is the highest ranked Scottish female golfer in the World Amateur Golf Rankings (currently 14th) and is the reigning British Girls Amateur Champion. Ian has also coached many other male and female golfers to national success having previously worked for Scottish Golf as their Regional Performance Coach and Talent Advisor. He has also coached players to Arnold Palmer Cup selection, at multiple Curtis Cups and numerous NCAA accolades.
Ian will join the University from the Glenalmond College where he is currently Head of Golf, having previously held that position at Loretto School. He brings a wealth of experience to his new position at St Andrews, as the first permanent full-time Director of Golf for Saints Sport.
On his new appointment at the University, Ian said: “I’m delighted to be joining such as prestigious institution as their first permanent Director of Golf. Saints Golf is already in a great place and I look forward to helping the students to achieve their goals, whether that be as elite amateurs or at a more recreational level. The University and Saints Sport are extremely ambitious, with an exciting future. I can’t wait to get started.”
Ian Gaunt, Deputy Director of Sport, added: “I’m delighted to have Ian as the University of St Andrews’ Director of Golf. Ian’s experience at all levels of golf, but especially the very top of amateur golf, will ensure our golf scholars, along with the wider golf club receive the expertise, individual support and guidance they need and deserve. We have one of the biggest student golf clubs in the world, and we look forward to Ian making a difference at all levels.”
Saints Golf, the University of St Andrews’ student golf programme, hosts over 350 members, delivers lessons to hundreds of beginners each year through the student golf club and partners the St Andrews Links Trust. Five teams will compete in British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) next year after recently being crowned British student match play champions. Numerous scholars have won events this year on the BUCS Strokeplay Tour and the R&A Student Tour Series.
Saints Sport at the University of St Andrews aims to provide a comprehensive and world-renowned programme for its performance golfers through golf scholarships, which provide all the resources needed for players to take their games to the next level whilst studying at St Andrews. The scholarships are supported and funded through the 600 Club, a community of donors and supporters around the world, alongside Saints Sport and The R&A.
The Saints Golf performance programme is incredibly fortunate to be supported by the St Andrews Links Trust, who provide the University’s top golf scholars with access to the world-class facilities at the Golf Academy all year round.
Stephen Stewart, Director of Sport, added: “We would like to thank the St Andrews Links Trust and the team of Instructors at the Academy for their support up to this point, and for the part they have played in helping to develop the Saints Golf programme, which has seen our top team and individual players claim national titles in recent years.
“As we welcome Ian Muir as the new Director of Golf, we look forward to continuing our partnership with the Links Trust as we aspire to create the top student golf programme in the UK, here at the Home of Golf.”
600 Club performance golf scholars represent the University in tournament golf around the world, competing domestically within the BUCS calendar and across Europe as part of the R&A Elite Student Tour. Additional competitive opportunities include invites to high-level tournaments in North and South America.