ELLON'S ADAM DUNTON FIRST SEED TO GO OUT OF SCOTTISH AMATEUR

BLAIRGOWRIE REPORT FROM THE SGU WEBSITE
It’s already a contender for shot of the week, even if it came from another course, but third seed Jack McDonald shrugged off the heroics of his playing partner to book his place in round two of the Fairstone Scottish Amateur Championship.

The 20-year-old from Kilmarnock Barassie, who recently helped Scotland reach the final of the European Men’s Team Championship in Denmark, found himself two down after the opening nine holes to Duff House Royal’s David Morrison.

McDonald, last year’s Scottish Amateur Golfer of the Year, had to roll in a 35-footer on the 10th just for a half on the Lansdowne layout, before reeling off hole wins at 11, 13 and 14 to edge ahead.

But Morrison hit back in stunning style after carving his drive at the 15th onto the 5th hole of the neighbouring Rosemount course – and remarkably holing with a 5-iron for an eagle 2.

McDonald regained his composure to birdie the 17th and seal victory with a half at the last.

“It was a good game, quite incredible,” said a relieved McDonald, who battled a sore back and was seeking physio ahead of his meeting with Dollar’s Darren Hulston today. “It was some shot by David on the 15th and I was just pleased to get through.”

In another tie which gave further credence to the phrase, ‘Beware the Injured Golfer’, Pollok’s Connor O’Neil shrugged off wisdom tooth pain – which later required a trip to dental A&E in Dundee – to come back from four down after eight and defeat Cruden Bay’s Kevin Duncan by two holes.

Elsewhere, Adam Dunton (McDonald Ellon) was the first seed to exit, as the No 7 seed lost to Craigie Hill’s Malcolm Davidson on the 18th after Davidson won the last three holes.

“Being from Perth and  Kinross, I know a lot of the holes here,” said Davidson, who birdied 16 and 17 before Dunton found trouble on the last.

The 2011 finalist, Daniel Kay from Dunbar, also exited in a two-hole defeat to Royal Troon’s Michael Smyth.

Of the fancied players, some teeing off late in the day following a torrential lunchtime downpour, Walker Cup hopeful Graeme Robertson, the No 2 seed, won the Glenbervie battle by taking care of clubmate Cameron Buist 4 and 3. Allyn Dick from Kingsknowe, meanwhile, held his nerve to see off Eamon Bradley (Mount Ellon) at the 19th.

With 20 second-round ties completed in the glorious early evening weather, the defending champion, Grant Forrest, wasted little time in reaching round three after an 8 and 7 win over Liam Chambers of Cardross. Ominously for the field, the Craigielaw man was five-under for his 11 holes.

Craig Lawrie also turned on the style, reaching the third round for the first time after beating Niall Young (Insch) 6 and 5.

But home hope and former champion Glenn Campbell, 40, made a surprise exit to 48-year-old Paul Moultrie (Royal Troon) at the 18th, meaning just two Blairgowrie players are left standing – the Neil brothers, Connor and Bradley.

Perth and Kinross matchplay champion Connor, who reached round two after a 4&2 win over Robert Carson from Baberton, said: “There is a lot of expectation on us as home players and brothers, but hopefully we can keep going in the event.

“The course is in immaculate condition and the greenkeepers here have done a fantastic job.”

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