- January 2021
Personal Statement
My name is Ciaran Paterson, I am in my final senior year at West Calder High School (West Lothian, Scotland, UK), Graduation May 2021. I have achieved thus far a highly successful school career with 5 A’s at Scottish Higher Level. Physical Education, I feel is my strongest area, resulting in an award for the highest grade in my year group. Throughout my senior school years, I have been able to demonstrate valuable leadership skills, both in and out of school. My first experience with leadership in sport was at the age of 12, when I was given the title and responsibility of Captain of the football team, which I played for 4 years, before making the important decision to focus solely and pursue my love of golf.
I have always shown my willingness to compete in school sports competitions. I enjoy playing on my own as well as part of a team. I like to lead by example and apply my will to win.
One of the most important attributes I believe I have is the art of communication, especially when playing in a team. I have experienced a lot of success in golf and school team volleyball with knowing how to communicate successfully.
I have played golf since the young age of 7 and started competitive golf at club level when I was 10 years old. I have had a steady progression over the years with my handicap commencing at 34, and now sitting at currently +1.
My first taste of success outside of my home club was at the Under15’s Stephen Gallagher Open Championship, where I played against Scottish Internationalists. I came back from a one-shot deficit to win by four shots carding a 4 under par back nine to claim the title.
I’ve had two 2nd and a 3rd place finish on the Scottish Junior Tour and a 5th place finish in the Under 16’s Scottish Boys Strokeplay. I am a two-time Lothians Golf Association Boys Champion, making history by being one of a few players to accomplish this feat.
I was chosen to represent the Lothians Golf Association in the 2019 Scottish Boys Area Team, and in the 2020 Watson Cup Team (which has been rescheduled to Summer 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions)
One of my greatest achievements of 2020 was equalling the course record at my home club Championship Qualifier, going on to win the tournament. I also made history on this occasion by being the only Junior to have won this competition.
I accomplished my lowest 9 hole score when I was 4 down in a match play game where I shot 29 (-6) to go on to win 1 up, showing immense grit, mental toughness and resilience to achieve a successful comeback.
I have trained with the Lothians Golf Association for the past 5 years and continue to do so, and also receiving coaching from the National Scottish Boys Coach, who has helped to elevate my game to enable me to compete and maintain at a high level.
With a keen interest in coaching, I am currently (when COVID-19 restrictions allow) volunteering to coach Juniors at beginner’s level. This is organised through The Stephen Gallagher Foundation. I hope to continue with this experience throughout 2021.
With my love and passion for golf since an early age, it is my dream to take my game to the highest level I can possibly achieve to one day playing at a professional level. Gaining a place at an elite University for sports would for sure help me towards obtaining my dream and hopefully making it a reality. This would be an amazing opportunity I would most definitely grab with both hands.
