Archie Barclay cook | Biography
Archie started his golfing journey when he was 4 years old hitting balls at the range at Foxton Golf Club with his father. In his early years coach Linzi Hardy, who supported him through till he was 12, during that time he won the Northumberland Junior Open at Seahouses GC, qualifying him for the Junior Masters hosted at Close House ran in tandem with the European tour event The British Masters.
Archie is now a member at Gullane GC, his home club, and whilst at school, plays at Swanston where Merchiston Golf Academy is based.
Archie attends Merchiston Castle School where he is embarking on his first year of A levels. The school is ranked number 2 in the school ISGA rankings and he is regular in the elite squad for school, representing the school in all ISGA events.
At Merchiston Archie met Alan Murdoch the Director of Golf at the school where from 12 until 16 he was coached by Alan taking his handicap down from 7 to +1 over three seasons.
In June 2023 Alan was appointed Director of Golf at the Junior Asian Golf Academy (JAGA) based at Black Mountain in Hua Hin, Thailand.
Archie is now in the renowned hands of St Andrews Links Senior Coach Fintan Bonnar, a project that will take Archie through to his aim of the US Golf Scholarship in 2025.
Archie is represented by The USB (United States Bound) agency, led by Stuart Hemmings Director of Golf at Rossall and founder of USB and supported by consultant Alan Murdoch, to see more about Archie look up www.usbound.co.uk.
In the States, alongside his golf, Archie wants to study and major in law/economics. Archie is a huge fan and admirer of Rory Mcilroy – his hero and would love to follow in his footsteps.
“I love his style, and his ball striking and length off the tee, but also his popularity with the fans, and as a global ambassador for the game”
In other sports Archie plays cricket as a bowler for the school and is a keen and accomplished tennis player, he enjoys game shooting in the winter at home in Northumberland, and in down-time, Archie enjoys being with his friends watching rugby or just socialising and listening to and playing music.
Career Highlights
| Year | Event | Result/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | North of England Boys - Pannal GC | 1st Place |
| 2023 | U18s Performance Squad | Selected for Scottish 2023/2024 squad |
| 2023 | Junior Tour Scotland | Named Ambassador |
| 2024 | Alnwick and District Sports Council awards | Winner - 2023 Junior Male |
| 2024 | SGF - VASE | 4th Place |
| 2024 | SGF - CLASSIC | 5th Place |
| 2024 | St Andrews Boys' Open | Quater Final placement |
| 2024 | Scottish Boys Area Championship’s at Duff House Royal | Member of Winning team - The Lothians |
| 2024 | Swift Schools Series WAGA 54 hole, Scotscraig GC, Scotland | Runner Up |
| 2024 | Stephen Gallagher Foundation Race to Machrie | 6th Place |
| 2024 | Scottish Area Team Championships | Member of Winning team - The Lothians | 2024 | U18s Swift Schools Strokeplay Championship, Scotscraig GC | Runner up |
Breaking news: Archie has signed for Georgia State University in Atlanta where he will take up residency in Aug 2025