Golf Ireland has extended its congratulations to Amy O’Donnell and Ellen O’Gorman, who have been selected as part of the latest recipients of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club Scholarship.
In all there are 11 outstanding young people from around the world for the programme which is in its second year. It was set up to identify, support and develop the next generation of golf’s leaders through financial support and unique connections to The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, The R&A and St Andrews.
O’Donnell is a performance nutritionist delivering support services for the Ladies’ European Tour, Challenge Tour and The R&A, while also working with world-leading educational institutions to advance research into nutrition in both amateur and professional golf.
In 2024 she supported the European Solheim Cup Team and played a key role in the successful GB&I Curtis Cup Team. She also works closely with event promoters to ensure that food served meets performance nutrition standards for players and caddies.
Currently working on her Doctorate in golf and nutrition, O’Donnell hopes her research and practical experience will inform golfers, as well as support staff, on how to fuel effectively for performance, recovery and overall lifestyle, helping them to compete at the highest level.
O’Gorman was inspired by watching her mother represent Ireland in golf and later face the challenges of joint replacements.
She developed a strong passion for physiotherapy. Combined with her own achievements as an amateur golfer, this experience gave her valuable insight into the unique physical demands of the sport.
Her MSc research in Sport and Exercise Medicine focused on injuries and strength training in female amateur golfers, highlighting the need for more golf-specific physiotherapy, especially for women, who remain underrepresented in sports research.
O’Gorman’s ambition is to become a leading physiotherapist in sports medicine, specialising in golf, and to lead a multidisciplinary team that combines physiotherapy and sports science to support golfers worldwide.
“Congratulations to both Amy and Ellen on being chosen as recipients of the prestigious R&A Golf Club Scholarship. Their achievements reflect a dedication and commitment to excellence, on and off the golf course, and underline the potential they have as future leaders within our sport,” said Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly.
“Amy’s groundbreaking work in performance nutrition and Ellen’s passion for advancing physiotherapy in golf showcase the talent and innovation within Irish golf. We are so proud of their accomplishments and look forward to seeing their success and lasting contributions to the game.”
O’Donnell and O’Gorman were selected from over 300 applicants aged 18-29, with this year’s cohort also including individuals from Spain, Great Britain, Nepal, New Zealand, Kenya, Australia, USA and Canada.
Each Scholar will receive up to £10,000 per year towards educational costs, up to £5,000 per year to support golf-related activities, mentorship from a Member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, access to a peer support network of Scholars, including last year’s inaugural group, and an invitation to a leadership conference in St Andrews each year they are studying, where all new and current Scholars will meet.
“This initiative is not only about recognising talent, but also empowering young people who are passionate about golf, progressing their careers in the golf industry and contributing to the sport in innovative and meaningful ways,” said Chairman of The R&A, Niall Farquharson.
“The Scholars come from a variety of backgrounds and share a collective ambition to break down barriers and shape the future of the game. Thanks to the support of the Club’s Members, they’re able to build connections and experiences that will support their journey in golf for years to come.”
Leave a comment