WIND OF CHANGE BLOWS ROSS KELLETT
INTO THE FIELD FOR EDWARD TROPHY
INTO THE FIELD FOR EDWARD TROPHY
By COLIN FARQUHARSON
The Edward Trophy, this weekend's 72-hole SGU Order of Merit tournament at Glasgow Gailes Golf Club, has not escaped the turmoil caused by the volcanic ash saga.
But, it’s an ill wind that blows nobody no good and Motherwell’s Ross Kellett, the highest-ranked home-based Scot in the R&A World Amateur Golf Rankings, is one of nine late entries to the field for this prestigious event.
Kellett, pictured by Cal Carson Golf Agency, should have been in India this week playing for Europe against the Pacific in the Bonallack Trophy match but that was cancelled for obvious reasons.
Believing he would be in Bangalore at the time, the Colville Park man, No 49 in the world rankings this week – second only to Arizona University student James Byrne (Banchory), did not submit an entry for the Edward Trophy.
But, with his circumstances changed, Kellett made inquiries with the Glasgow Golf Club organisers and they were delighted to be able to add such a star player to their revised field.
Nine players have had to drop out, because like British Airways planes and crews, they are not in the geographical position they should be, i.e. in Scotland – Michael Smith (Royal Troon), Myles Cunningham (Craigielaw), Fraser Fotheringham (Nairn), Patricio Salem (Peru), James White (Lundin), Gordon Stevenson (Whitecraigs), Reeve Whitson (Mourne), Euan McIntosh (Newmachar) and Garry Duncan (Carnoustie Caledonia).
Along with Kellett, the following have been drafted in as replacements – Stephen Rennie (Drumpellier), Graeme Robertson (Glenbervie), Fraser Campbell (Milngavie), John Laurie (Cowglen), Ben Sloan (Cathkin Braes), Liam McGowan (St Andrews New), Scottish boys’ champion Grant Forrest (Craigielaw) and Iain Galbraith (Murcar Links).
Last year’s event was reduced to 54 holes after a lightning storm hold-up meant there was no time left to play a fourth round. Paul O’Hara beat James White in a play-off for the title. O’Hara is now a rookie professional while White is one of those forced to withdraw.
Kellett finished third last year and will start favourite to earn the £500 voucher and silver medal on Sunday.
But could this be the year of the underdog? Ross Bell (Downfield), R&A WAGR No 1297, won the Scottish champion of champions’ title at Leven three weeks ago, while Michael Clark (Kilmacolm), R&A WAGR No 1176, was the runaway, five-shot winner of the Craigmillar Park Open two weekends ago.
The Edward Trophy, this weekend's 72-hole SGU Order of Merit tournament at Glasgow Gailes Golf Club, has not escaped the turmoil caused by the volcanic ash saga.
But, it’s an ill wind that blows nobody no good and Motherwell’s Ross Kellett, the highest-ranked home-based Scot in the R&A World Amateur Golf Rankings, is one of nine late entries to the field for this prestigious event.
Kellett, pictured by Cal Carson Golf Agency, should have been in India this week playing for Europe against the Pacific in the Bonallack Trophy match but that was cancelled for obvious reasons.
Believing he would be in Bangalore at the time, the Colville Park man, No 49 in the world rankings this week – second only to Arizona University student James Byrne (Banchory), did not submit an entry for the Edward Trophy.
But, with his circumstances changed, Kellett made inquiries with the Glasgow Golf Club organisers and they were delighted to be able to add such a star player to their revised field.
Nine players have had to drop out, because like British Airways planes and crews, they are not in the geographical position they should be, i.e. in Scotland – Michael Smith (Royal Troon), Myles Cunningham (Craigielaw), Fraser Fotheringham (Nairn), Patricio Salem (Peru), James White (Lundin), Gordon Stevenson (Whitecraigs), Reeve Whitson (Mourne), Euan McIntosh (Newmachar) and Garry Duncan (Carnoustie Caledonia).
Along with Kellett, the following have been drafted in as replacements – Stephen Rennie (Drumpellier), Graeme Robertson (Glenbervie), Fraser Campbell (Milngavie), John Laurie (Cowglen), Ben Sloan (Cathkin Braes), Liam McGowan (St Andrews New), Scottish boys’ champion Grant Forrest (Craigielaw) and Iain Galbraith (Murcar Links).
Last year’s event was reduced to 54 holes after a lightning storm hold-up meant there was no time left to play a fourth round. Paul O’Hara beat James White in a play-off for the title. O’Hara is now a rookie professional while White is one of those forced to withdraw.
Kellett finished third last year and will start favourite to earn the £500 voucher and silver medal on Sunday.
But could this be the year of the underdog? Ross Bell (Downfield), R&A WAGR No 1297, won the Scottish champion of champions’ title at Leven three weeks ago, while Michael Clark (Kilmacolm), R&A WAGR No 1176, was the runaway, five-shot winner of the Craigmillar Park Open two weekends ago.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ THE REVISED EDWARD TROPHY DRAW
Labels: Amateur Men
posted by Colin |
See story on its own page | Thursday, April 22, 2010
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