CONOR O'NEIL SET TO TURN PRO AFTER GLASGOW OPEN VICTORY

NEWS RELEASE

Conor O’Neil, 21-year-old Pollok Golf Club member, won the Glasgow Open Amateur championship at the weekend over his home course in what may prove to be his final outing as an amateur.

The former SGU Boys' Order of Merit winner, had rounds of 71 and 67 for an impressive four under par total on a day when the weather claimed more than its fair share of victims.

Indeed that the 36 holes were completed was testament to the greenkeeping staff at Pollok, who presented the course in customary splendid condition for the Glasgow City Council supported event.

Playing most of his first round in torrential rain, O’Neil’s first round of 71 left him one shot off the lead, held by former British amateur champion Craig Watson (East Renfrewshire), at the halfway point. In the afternoon, a 20mph wind replaced the morning deluge but it was not enough to stop O’Neil firing eight birdies in a stunning 67 which sealed a four-stroke victory.

“It was difficult today. It’s the longest I’ve known the course play but I played well. It means a lot to win at Pollok. I’ve always had great support from the members here. The conditions were tough but the course was brilliant as always” said Conor reflecting on his win.

“It’s been a frustrating season but I’ll take confidence from this and hopefully build on it going forward. The Glasgow Open is a terrific competition and I really wanted to win it this year, as I knew it would be my last chance before turning pro.”

LEADING FINAL TOTALS
Par 142 (2x71) CSS Round 1 - 74; Round 2 - 71
138 Conor O'Neil (Pollok) 71 68

142 Gordon Miller (Cawder) 74 68

144 Craig Watson (East Renfrewshire) 70 74, Steven Rennie, (Drumpellier) 72 72

145 Kenneth Bell (Elderslie) 73 72, Keith Hamilton (Ayr Belleisle) 71 74, Jamie Savage  (Cawder) 75 71

146 Craig Morrison (Haggs Castle) 73 73

147 Barry Hume (Haggs Castle) 75 72, Andrew Craig (Royal Troon) 74 73, John Laurie (Glasgow) 73 74