PERTH AND KINROSS WIN MONEYGATE SCOTTISH AREA TEAM TITLE
NEWS RELEASE FROM THE SCOTTISH GOLF UNION
By ROSS DUNCAN
Marketing, Media and Sponsorship Manager
Blairgowrie’s Glenn Campbell clinched the winning point as Perth and Kinross lifted the Moneygate Scottish Area Team Championship for the first time in ten year, beating Fife in a closely contested final.
The host area, boasting no fewer than five Blairgowrie club champions in their six-man side, made home advantage count as they ran out 3.5 – 1.5 winners against the defending champions.Campbell, pictured by Cal Carson Golf Agency, the 2005 Scottish champion who played in Perth and Kinross’s back-to-back wins in 2001-02 (when it was an all-in match-play format) won at the 19th in a pulsating match against last year’s SGU Order of Merit no. 1 James White, to put his side in an unassailable position.
The host area, boasting no fewer than five Blairgowrie club champions in their six-man side, made home advantage count as they ran out 3.5 – 1.5 winners against the defending champions.Campbell, pictured by Cal Carson Golf Agency, the 2005 Scottish champion who played in Perth and Kinross’s back-to-back wins in 2001-02 (when it was an all-in match-play format) won at the 19th in a pulsating match against last year’s SGU Order of Merit no. 1 James White, to put his side in an unassailable position.
It was a fitting finish for the final, with the duo of Campbell and White having shared top spot in the individual scoring during yesterday’s qualifying stage.
Stuart Graham got his side off to a flyer, firing 9 birdies in 13 holes to ease past Scotland international Scott Crichton and get the first point on the board for the hosts. However the Fife foursomes pairing of Colin Martin and Alister Hain levelled the match, winning at the 20th against Scott Michie and George Brass.
The home club’s Bradley Neil was behind in much of his match against South African Amateur Champion Brian Soutar, but produced three birdies in four holes from the 14th to put his side back into the driving seat. Neil, just 16, birdied the 14th, before hitting a wedge to 7-feet at the short 15th which he sank for a two to move ahead. He and Soutar halved the long 16th, but rifled a 7-iron to 2 feet for a winning two at the 17th.
Campbell enjoyed the better of the front nine against White, but the Fifer battled back to take the match to extra holes, before three-putting the 19th to hand victory to a jubilant Perth and Kinross team.
“The boys have played superbly all weekend, from lading the stroke play qualifying to both our games today,” said Stuart McKendrick, who was captaining the team for the first time.“I’m delighted for the boys. We came into the final with no pressure on us as we knew Fife were a really strong team. Stuart (Graham) played stunning golf and young Bradley was nerveless as usual. Glenn’s been the stalwart of the team and George (Brass) was great on his debut. Everyone contributed to the win and it’s all down to them.” he added.
For Campbell and Neil, both players expressed their delight at winning the title on home turf.
“It’s extra special to win at Blairgowrie. We knew we had a chance at the start of the week with five club champions in our ranks and our knowledge of the course was an advantage, but all the guys have gone out and played fantastic golf.” said Campbell who was Scottish champion at Southerness in 2005.
Neil, who finished runner-up at last weekend’s Golfdatalab Scottish Youhs Championship, added:
“I knew I would have to make birdies in my match to beat Brian and I managed a great run towards the end of the round. My birdie on 15 was big for momentum. Then I was very nervous on the 17th as I knew it was crucial in the overall match, but I managed to pull it off. It is a very special moment for everyone in our Area and at the club.”
Stirlingshire, with wins for Graeme Rbertson, Fraser Moore and Chris Lawton, took the bronze medal thanks to a 3 – 2 win over Renfrewshire.
Stuart Graham got his side off to a flyer, firing 9 birdies in 13 holes to ease past Scotland international Scott Crichton and get the first point on the board for the hosts. However the Fife foursomes pairing of Colin Martin and Alister Hain levelled the match, winning at the 20th against Scott Michie and George Brass.
The home club’s Bradley Neil was behind in much of his match against South African Amateur Champion Brian Soutar, but produced three birdies in four holes from the 14th to put his side back into the driving seat. Neil, just 16, birdied the 14th, before hitting a wedge to 7-feet at the short 15th which he sank for a two to move ahead. He and Soutar halved the long 16th, but rifled a 7-iron to 2 feet for a winning two at the 17th.
Campbell enjoyed the better of the front nine against White, but the Fifer battled back to take the match to extra holes, before three-putting the 19th to hand victory to a jubilant Perth and Kinross team.
“The boys have played superbly all weekend, from lading the stroke play qualifying to both our games today,” said Stuart McKendrick, who was captaining the team for the first time.“I’m delighted for the boys. We came into the final with no pressure on us as we knew Fife were a really strong team. Stuart (Graham) played stunning golf and young Bradley was nerveless as usual. Glenn’s been the stalwart of the team and George (Brass) was great on his debut. Everyone contributed to the win and it’s all down to them.” he added.
For Campbell and Neil, both players expressed their delight at winning the title on home turf.
“It’s extra special to win at Blairgowrie. We knew we had a chance at the start of the week with five club champions in our ranks and our knowledge of the course was an advantage, but all the guys have gone out and played fantastic golf.” said Campbell who was Scottish champion at Southerness in 2005.
Neil, who finished runner-up at last weekend’s Golfdatalab Scottish Youhs Championship, added:
“I knew I would have to make birdies in my match to beat Brian and I managed a great run towards the end of the round. My birdie on 15 was big for momentum. Then I was very nervous on the 17th as I knew it was crucial in the overall match, but I managed to pull it off. It is a very special moment for everyone in our Area and at the club.”
Stirlingshire, with wins for Graeme Rbertson, Fraser Moore and Chris Lawton, took the bronze medal thanks to a 3 – 2 win over Renfrewshire.
SUNDAY RESULTS
FINAL
PERTH and KINROSS 3 1/2, FIFE 1 1/2
Michie and Brass lost to Martin and Hain at 20th
Campbell bt White at 19th
Neil bt Soutar 2 and 1.
Graham bt Crichton 6 and 5.
Cameron halved with Stewart-Cation
THIRD-PLACE PLAY-OFF
STIRLINGSHIRE 3, RENFREWSHIRE 2
Cox and Nelson lost to Farmer and Watson at 19th.
Robertson bt Clark 2 holes
Moore bt Stevenson 2 holes
Lawton bt Clark 1 hole
Campbell lost to Binning 2 and 1.
FINAL PLACINGS
1 Perth and Kinross, 2 Fife, 3 Stirlingshire, 4 Renfrewshire.
SCROLL DOWN TO VIEW SATURDAY'S RESULTS
Labels: Amateur Men
posted by Colin |
See story on its own page | Sunday, May 20, 2012
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