WHERE ARE THEY NOW? No 8 KEVIN McALPINE

Kevin played on same Colorado State  team as Martin Laird

By COLIN FARQUHARSON
Colin@scottishgolfview.com

If you are looking around for Scots who achieved stardom as amateurs but whose talent has not transferred with them to the pro ranks, then Alyth’s Kevin McAlpine is one of the first names to come to mind. In 2007 he was at the top of the tree in the Scottish amateur world. In 2011, he is at the bottom of the tour pro ranks

Scottish amateur champion at Nairn in 2006 and then, 12 months later, Scottish amateur stroke-play title-winner over another classic links, Royal Dornoch. Winner also of the North of Scotland open amateur stroke-play for the David Blair Trophy in 2006 and again in 2009 (pictured left at Lossiemouth).

Yes, Kevin McAlpine, at that stage, was more famous than his father Hamish who was Dundee United’s stalwart goalkeeper for many seasons. But Kevin’s pro career has simply not got off the launch pad. The Alps Tour and Euro ProTour look to be his only chance to earn some money with his clubs in 2011.
It was Martin Laird’s recent victory in the Arnold Palmer Invitational that brought Kevin back into my thoughts. Weren’t they both on golf scholarships at Colorado State University at the same time, back in the early 2000s?
Just to confirm it, I sent an E-mail to Kevin – and he picked it up in Florida. Here’s his reply:

“Yes, I did attend Colorado State University when Martin Laird was there. He was actually the person who introduced me to the college’s golf coach Jamie Bermel. I had played with Martin during the 2001 Scottish youths championship at Crail where we tied for third behind Jamie McLeary. I told Martin about my intention to go to college in the States and he helped sort that out for me.

“I played on the Colorado State team with him for two years. We had a really good bunch of guys and a great team leader in Martin. He is obviously very talented and smart but also very hard working.

“Martin’s game improved dramatically in the two years I played with him. He did lose the odd five bucks to me though, all be it not very often! His swing now is pretty similar. He hits the same high fade that he did back then.

“Just from watching him (on TV!) I can tell that his short game has improved but most of all his putting has improved since he went to the belly putter! I think that everyone in Scotland and in the world can see how good a player he is now!

“I do keep in touch with Martin. He had asked if I would be in the area for the US PGA Tour’s Florida swing. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it to any of them. I did send a text to congratulate him after his win, and he replied in a solid Scottish way with 'Cheers!'

“I’m in Naples, Florida at the moment, working at Old Collier Golf Club as a caddie. The plan was to get out of Scotland for the winter, make some money to come back and play this season.

“Caddieing here has helped me to do both! I am still golfing and practising when I am not working. I’m looking forward to the new season. If at first you don,t succeed, try and try again!”

Kevin McAlpine