Undergraduate Study
Graduate Viewpoints
Why Did I Enjoy Studying at the University of Stirling?
Catriona Matthew
BA 1991, MA 2003
Professional Golfer
"I started playing golf when I was about seven years old and I used to tag along with my two older brothers. I first played at the Children’s Course in North Berwick, where I was brought up. I have always been sporty and enjoyed most sports, including playing badminton for Scotland at junior level.
"The first golf tournament I won was a children’s tournament in North Berwick. I then went on to play more tournaments and actually represented Great Britain and Ireland in the Vagliano Trophy match before I played for Scotland, which I suppose was quite unusual.
"I was one of the first students on the Golf Scholarship programme at the University of Stirling and decided to make golf my career in my second year at University; it was after I won the British Amateur and had played in the Curtis Cup a couple of times. I thought I might always regret never trying to realise if I had the potential to be a successful touring professional. My time at University was key in developing my golf skills and I benefited from the coaching, in particular that of Golf Professional, John Chillas. I graduated from Stirling with an Honours degree in Financial Studies in 1991.
"The highlights of my career so far have been winning the LPGA Tour, winning in Scotland at Gleneagles and playing in the winning Solheim Cup. I also enjoy the fact that my career has given me an opportunity to travel.
"My ambition for the future would be to win the US Open one day."
