SGU MEDIA RELEASE
After ending a 35-year wait twelve months ago, a strong Fife side will go in search of their second successive title when the Moneygate Scottish Area Team Championship gets underway this weekend at Blairgowrie (19 – 20 May).
The Fife team features four of the players who led the ‘Kingdom’ to their maiden Area Team success at Prestwick last year, including South African Amateur Champion Brian Soutar and 2011 SGU Order of Merit winner James White. Scotland squad member Scott Crichton and Scott Stewart-Cation also retain their places, while Colin Martin and Alister Hain have been called up to replace Kevin Blyth and the now professional Peter Latimer.
“It was great to win the title for the first time last year and it really meant a lot to our officials, who do much hard work for the players behind the scenes. We’ve got as strong a side as we had before but there are lots of good teams to beat,” said Soutar, who defeated Scotland team-mate Kris Nicol in Fife’s victory over North East in last year’s final.
“I’ve been slightly disappointed with my performances this season, but I’m working hard and staying positive. There are some big events coming up over the next few weeks and it would be good to really hit form from this weekend and carry it forward into what is a crucial part of the season.” he added.
North East include three of the side who won the title in 2010, with Bryan Innes, Scott Larkin and Anthony Bews lining up, as they look to reach their third consecutive final, while the 13-times champions Lothians will be aiming for their first title since 2007. Their line-up includes Alexander Culverwell and Graham Robertson, both winners on the SGU Order of Merit circuit last season, while Scottish Amateur Champion runner-up Danny Kay has received a call-up.
Renfrewshire, champions in 2009 and beaten finalists two years ago, include the experienced duo of former Amateur Champion Craig Watson and former British Mid-Amateur Champion Andrew Farmer, with host area Perth & Kinross’s side featuring 2005 Scottish Amateur Champion Glenn Campbell and rising star Bradley Neill, runner-up in last weekend’s Scottish Youths Championship.
Recently crowned Scottish Boys Champion Craig Howie headlines a Borders side going in search of their first Area title, while Lanarkshire will be looking to two of Scotland’s other bring young talents in Eamon Bradley and Craig Ross in their quest for a first triumph in 14 years.
Host venue Blairgowrie boasts two of the country’s finest championship courses, with the stroke play qualifying taking place over both the Rosemount and the Lansdowne on Saturday. The best five scores from six will count towards the team’s total each round, with the leading four Areas earning a place in Sunday morning’s semi-finals on the Rosemount, climaxing in the afternoon final.
Leading financial services company Moneygate, which specialises in advice for individuals and organisations across wealth management, insurance, mortgages, pensions and savings, sponsor the championship for the third year in row.
For further information on the Moneygate Scottish Area Team Championship, including full team list and draw, click on the link below: