McARTHUR OUT IN 28 ON HIS WAY TO
SECOND-PLACE FINISH BEHIND
BAKER ON CHALLENGE TOUR

By MICHAEL GIBBONS
Press Officer, European Challenge Tour.
Former Scottish amateur champion Andrew McArthur fired an astonishing front nine of eight under par 28 at the Wylihof Golf Club in Switzerland on his way to finishing second behind former Ryder Cup player Peter Baker at the Credit Suisse Challenge today.
The 28-year-old Windyhill professional made eight birdies and a single par by the time he reached the turn in what was a sensational display.
But Andrew's luck deserted him on the back nine where he lipped out twice for birdie before eventually posting a fourth round of nine under 64 and finishing one behind Baker on 19-under- par 273.
McArthur’s second place prize of £10,413 lifted the 2002 Scottish amateur title-winner to 27th place on the Challenge Tour Rankings and has ignited his season after a slow start to the year.
“It was one of those days where it just felt so easy,” said McArthur.
“I wasn’t really thinking about scores or anything, my main thoughts were to stay relaxed and try and make as many birdies as I could.
“It could have been better if I had holed the ones that lipped out on the back nine, but I am delighted with how I have played and feel that this is the start of my season because I have not been playing well up until now.”
Baker took the £15,146 first prize after a final round of six under 67 left him with a winning total of 20 under 272.
The former Ryder Cup player, who also Vice-Captained Ian Woosnam during Europe’s record equalling win over the USA at The K Club last year, rediscovered his putting form at Wylihof by using the same Ping B-60 putter he had won three points out of four with at The Belfry in 1993.
“I can’t remember winning tournaments being that difficult!” smiled Baker.
“I’m delighted to win here – it definitely feels like I am on the way back now and I am going to keep playing on the Challenge Tour and try and win my card through the top 20 on the Rankings.”
Euan Little was the next best Scot in the field in 14th place on 12 under, while Peter Whiteford finished 20th, Scott Henderson 32nd and Eric Ramsay 43rd.
FINAL TOTALS
Par 292 (4 x 73)
272 P Baker (Eng) 72 67 66 67.
273 A McArthur (Sco) 67 72 70 64.
274 R Dinwiddie (Eng) 67 68 71 68.
275 C Del Moral (Esp) 65 71 69 70.
Scots & others:
280 E Little (Sco) 68 68 75 69 (jt 14ty).
282 P Whiteford (Sco) 70 70 70 72 (jt 20th),.
284 S Henderson (Sco) 74 71 68 71 (jt 32nd).
286 E Ramsay (Sco) 73 70 70 73 (jt 43rd).
287 G Wright (Wal) 72 73 70 72, J Doherty (Sco) 69 75 71 72 (jt 50th).
288 J McLeary (Sco) 73 67 73 75 (jt 55th).