to win his first Gleneagles
Scottish PGA title
By RON MARSHALL, Scottish PGA Press Officer
Scottish PGA title
By RON MARSHALL, Scottish PGA Press Officer
A quite unprecedented run by Chris Doak could be extended even farther this week if he can pick up the title he so far has failed to win, the flagship £55,000 Gleneagles Scottish PGA Championship, beginning this morning over the PGA Centenary course.
The 30-year-old Gourock player, picture right by Cal Carson Golf Agency, has all but engraved his name on the PGA Scottish Region’s Order of Merit by winning the last four tests – the Audi/Callaway 36 holes at Craigielaw, the WaterAid 36 holes at Kilmarnock Barassie, the 72-hole Northern Open at Spey Valley, and finally the Wishaw 36 holes.
Not renowned in previous years for such consistency, Doak has one simple explanation for his new outlook on the game.
“I’ve calmed down. I’m a different player now. I’ve screwed my head on properly, and I’m trying not to let things get me down.”
The 30-year-old Gourock player, picture right by Cal Carson Golf Agency, has all but engraved his name on the PGA Scottish Region’s Order of Merit by winning the last four tests – the Audi/Callaway 36 holes at Craigielaw, the WaterAid 36 holes at Kilmarnock Barassie, the 72-hole Northern Open at Spey Valley, and finally the Wishaw 36 holes.
Not renowned in previous years for such consistency, Doak has one simple explanation for his new outlook on the game.
“I’ve calmed down. I’m a different player now. I’ve screwed my head on properly, and I’m trying not to let things get me down.”
Defending champion Mark Loftus would be the first to admit his form running into this week has been less stellar. But the Cowglen pro is upbeat about his prospects.
“I’m playing great tee to green, and the Centenary course is ideal for me – it demands good driving and long-iron play. I had a practice round two weeks ago and thought the greens were a wee bit slow, but a lot can happen in that time.”
One of his minor concerns is that his coach, former European Tour winner Adam Hunter, is currently lying ahead of him in the Order of Merit.
“I’m 23rd and Adam’s 14th. I’d never live it down if he’s still in front at the end of the season!”
The player currently in cracking form is David Orr, despite a recurring twinge in his right shoulder. Never lower than third place in seven of his last eight outings, David has an enviable record in three appearances in the championship – runner-up in 2002, tied third four years later, and a share of fourth last year.
A practice round earlier this week confirmed his liking for a course he’s played around 50 times.
“I was a member at Gleneagles a few years ago when I was playing the Challenge Tour, and the course is as good as I’ve seen it. You have to think your way round it, and patience has to be, if you like, your 15th club.”
David, aged 34, still drives taxis on Glasgow’s south side. He and his wife have two sons, James and Finlay, the latter christened at the weekend, and David is studying for his PGA exams, attached to East Renfrewshire Golf Club. A win this weekend would be further cause for family celebration.
The leading 50 players after the opening 36 holes will contest the championship over the weekend.
“I’m playing great tee to green, and the Centenary course is ideal for me – it demands good driving and long-iron play. I had a practice round two weeks ago and thought the greens were a wee bit slow, but a lot can happen in that time.”
One of his minor concerns is that his coach, former European Tour winner Adam Hunter, is currently lying ahead of him in the Order of Merit.
“I’m 23rd and Adam’s 14th. I’d never live it down if he’s still in front at the end of the season!”
The player currently in cracking form is David Orr, despite a recurring twinge in his right shoulder. Never lower than third place in seven of his last eight outings, David has an enviable record in three appearances in the championship – runner-up in 2002, tied third four years later, and a share of fourth last year.
A practice round earlier this week confirmed his liking for a course he’s played around 50 times.
“I was a member at Gleneagles a few years ago when I was playing the Challenge Tour, and the course is as good as I’ve seen it. You have to think your way round it, and patience has to be, if you like, your 15th club.”
David, aged 34, still drives taxis on Glasgow’s south side. He and his wife have two sons, James and Finlay, the latter christened at the weekend, and David is studying for his PGA exams, attached to East Renfrewshire Golf Club. A win this weekend would be further cause for family celebration.
The leading 50 players after the opening 36 holes will contest the championship over the weekend.
Labels: Tartan Tour
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See story on its own page | Thursday, July 03, 2008
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