A GOLD events organiser who scored a hole in one gaining a job with Sir Nick Faldo after a degree through North Highland College UHI has been named alumnus of the year at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Matthew Worthington from Inverness signed up for the golf management degree in 2007, keen to combine his passion for golf with a career after he helped build the famous Castle Stuart golf course, current home of the Scottish Open.
Now he works for the Faldo Series, the six-time Major winner’s global golf initiative that gives opportunity to young people.
Established in 1996, 38 Faldo Series tournaments take place in 28 countries worldwide with more than 7,000 participants each year.
He was promoted just six months after joining and is now responsible for planning and co-ordinating 20 tournaments in 14 countries.
He said: “After completing my degree I immediately began working for Sir Nick Faldo. My job is hugely rewarding on many levels. I get to combine my two main passions in life – golf and travel – whilst playing my part in developing the next generation of talented young golfers.”
Matthew recently ran the Faldo Series Europe Grand Final, putting him in charge of the planning and co-ordination of a five day event featuring 100 golfers from 17 different countries. The event was broadcast as an hour long programme on Sky Sports in the UK and on the Golf Channel in the USA.
“Seeing my work on television was the proudest moment of my life to date,” explained Matthew.
“I am humbled that someone from UHI would put me forward for this award. I am thankful to all the members of staff who taught and helped me throughout the degree. I would not be where I am today without them and will be forever grateful for what they have done for me.”
The University of the Highlands and Islands alumnus of the year scheme is now in its third year, designed to celebrate the success of graduates who studied through the university.
James Fraser, principal and vice-chancellor, said: “The panel was very impressed by Matthew’s achievements and keen to recognise his success. The golf management degree epitomises the distinctiveness of the University and the region and we are delighted Matthew has teed off his career in great style.”
ENDS
Picture caption 1: Matthew Worthington at work with the Faldo Series
If you would prefer a picture of Matthew Worthington meeting the new University of the Highlands and Islands Chancellor, HRH The Princess Royal, please call.
Notes to editors:
The University of the Highlands and Islands comprises 13 further and higher education colleges, specialist colleges and research institutions, distributed throughout the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. They are bound together through constitutional, management and academic structures, and co-ordinated through an executive office. Collectively, this is referred to as the UHI partnership.
There are currently over 7,500 students studying on undergraduate and postgraduate courses or undertaking postgraduate research with the University.
The University of the Highlands and Islands is the only university with campuses and headquarters based in the Highlands and Islands. Its mission is to strengthen and develop the social, economic and cultural prospects of the region. It uses a blend of learning methods, including traditional classroom face-to-face teaching, video-conferencing tutorials and lectures and virtual learning environments and other IT media.
The University of the Highlands and Islands is a limited company registered in Scotland No. 148203. Scottish charity No. SC022228. Registered office: 12B, Ness Walk, Inverness, IV3 5SQ.
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