Performance golf programme
The University’s Performance Golf Programme stands as one of the most successful university programmes of its kind, producing athletes who excel on both national and international stages.
Delivered through the prestigious Saints Golf Performance Scholarships, the programme provides world-class training, competition opportunities, and academic support that enable student-athletes to thrive in every aspect of their development. Its strength and sustainability are made possible through the generous backing of The R&A, the St Andrews Links Trust, and The 600 Club—our global community of dedicated supporters—whose commitment has helped establish the programme as a benchmark for excellence in university golf worldwide.
The programme
Led by Director of Golf Ian Muir, Saints Golf is built around the needs of each individual athlete, creating an environment for them to perform at their very best. Through the Saints Golf Scholarships, players receive personalised coaching, performance support, and access to competitive opportunities that develop their game while ensuring academic success. The programme is designed to remove barriers—whether financial, logistical, or developmental—so that student-athletes can focus fully on reaching their potential. With world-class facilities, unrivalled access to the legendary courses of St Andrews, and the inspiration of a rich golfing heritage, Saints Golf provides an environment where students can truly excel, both on the course and in the classroom.
Specialist coaching
skill development and team preparation
Strength and Conditioning
weekly sport specific sessions
Athlete support
physiotherapy, sports psychology, nutrition, recovery, time management
Video analysis
team and individual analysis
Individual skills
1-2-1 sport specific sessions with Head Coach
Athlete monitoring
regular sessions to monitor progress
Sports Therapy
full time in-house support service
Pre-season
full pre-season and off-season training programmes
Example of
Saints Golf performance scholarships
Scholarships are aimed at players who are already competing at a high level and who believe they have the necessary attributes to be part of a performance golf programme whilst studying for their degree in St Andrews.
Did you know?
There are no eligibility restrictions on playing sport and representing the University whilst studying for a postgraduate qualification at St Andrews.
Further support available
St Andrews is proud to be only the second university in the world to award an Arnold Palmer Scholarship—honouring Mr Palmer’s legendary connection with the University, cemented by his honorary doctorate in 2010.
Supporting elite student golfers at 17 universities worldwide—including St Andrews—The R&A has championed university golf for over 35 years.
Meet the Director
Email: Ian Muir
Director of Golf
Ian Muir is one of Scotland’s most respected golf coaches, with more than 30 years of experience developing players to world-class standards. Appointed in 2022 as the University of St Andrews’ first full-time Director of Golf, he leads the Saints Golf Performance Programme, creating a high-performance pathway for student-athletes in the Home of Golf.
Throughout his career, Ian has coached many of the country’s leading male and female players, preparing them to compete at the highest levels of the game. His influence extends to the professional tours, where his players have achieved success worldwide, including appearances in the Curtis Cup and Arnold Palmer Cup, progression through the NCAA system, and victories at major international amateur championships.
As one of the most highly qualified coaches in the UK, Ian holds the prestigious UKCC Level 4 in Performance Golf Coaching — the highest coaching qualification available — as well as UKCC Level 3. He is also recognised as a TrackMan Master Professional, a status held by only a select group of coaches worldwide, underlining his expertise in advanced performance technologies and data-driven coaching. Ian’s knowledge covers every aspect of player development, from technical mastery and performance analysis to competitive preparation and long-term career planning.
Now at St Andrews, Ian is driving a programme that combines elite coaching, world-class performance support, and academic excellence, establishing the university as a premier destination for ambitious golfers with aspirations to compete at the very top of the sport.
Example of
Support staff
Our performance support team have a wealth of experience working and coaching at international level and within the professional game.
Dr Will McConn-Palfreyman
Sports Psychologist
Allan Gartshore
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Dan Scott
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Ali Smith
Sports Therapist
Dr Joan Strang
Performance Sport Coordinator
Example of
Professional services staff
Our performance teams and athletes are supported by a team of highly qualified, experienced, and dedicated professional service staff who share a passion for student sport.
Supported by
