Read all about it . . . sgu outline selection process in black and white

Golf Correspondent

Wednesday 8 February 2012

To the man on the street, national teams are picked and debate ensues when someone gets the nod and someone else gets left out,.

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Nick Rodger

Last night, officials of the Scottish Golf Union made moves to formalise their selection process for the men's teams and squads and bring some 'clarity' to the whole procedure.

Under the meticulous eye of Steve Paulding, the former British Cycling team manager who is now the SGU's performance manager, the new document outlines the criteria and timeline for selection.

On a first perusal, the whole thing appears all very wordy. There are primary selection factors, secondary factors, additional factors, historical records and factors based on climate, fitness and travel. In simple terms, if you play well, and continue to play well, you'll become an international regular. Let your performances dip, and your place is at risk. That has always been the basis of a selection process anyway and those in charge have basically put it all down in black and white so those involved know exactly where they stand.For the first time, there will now be opportunities through the increasingly influential World Amateur Rankings and the SGU Order of Merit for a player to gain automatic selection. To meet this criteria, a player must be in the SGU's top 15 and the top 15 of Scots on the world order at the time of the selection date. This will provide a balance of players performing well on the global amateur stage as well as those showing form on the domestic scene.Take August's European Team Championship as an example. The top two players on the world rankings and the top two on the domestic order of merit as of the selection date in early July will be guaranteed a place in the six-man side. The remaining two places will be made up of selectors' picks. It's a bit like a watered-down version of the Ryder Cup selection process. "This type of document has existed but there has been nothing public for a while and this outlines how we select players," said Paulding. "It would be foolish not to have our best players in the team. This process rewards current form and gives new players the chance to come in, but it will also take into account a history of success and gives a level of certainty so players can plan their season."

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Read all about it . . . sgu outline selection process in black and white

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