Sandy Scott one of three Scots in top 5 at St Andrews Links Trophy 
halfway mark

By COLIN FARQUHARSON
Nairn's rising star Sandy Scott is one of three Scots in the top five at the halfway stage of the prestigious St Andrews Links Trophy.
After a three-under 68 on the New Course on Friday, 17-year-old Sandy, who has left Nairn Academy and will be enrolling at Texas Tech University on a four-year course in August, had a five-under 67 over the Old Course today.
He is one shot behind the Irish pacemaker, Conor O'Rourke who is on nine-under 134 with scores of 65 and 69.
Scott was Scottish boys' stroke-play champion last year when he also won an SGU 72-hole men's order of merit tournament, the East of Scotland Open at Lundin Links.
He is currently third in the 2016 Scottish Golf Order of Merit after a fifth place finish in the Welsh Open stroke-play. Sandy's ambition is to become a tour pro after his four years in America.
In today's round Scott reached the turn in 31, thanks to birdies at the first, second, fourth, fifth and seventh. He moved to six under with a birdied at the 10th but bogeyed the 11th

" I was a bit nervous at the end in case I spoiled a good round, but my short game kept me together. I am just really pleased to come in with a decent score over the Old Course," said Sandy who is sharing second place with Finland's Kim Koivu (66-69).

One shot behind him in tied fourth place  is former British boys champion Ewen Ferguson (Bearsden) with scores of 66 and 70 for 136. On the same scoreline is late finisher Liam Johnston (Dumfries and Co) with scores of 66 and 70.
Leader overnight will be Conor O'Rourke, an Irishman who is a 24-year-old member of Naas Golf Club. 
"It was much tougher out there on the Old Course today. After going to the turn in 31 (-5), I dropped shots on the way in at 10, 14 and 16, but got one back at 15," said O'Rourke.

"I've been playing well for the last couple of weeks and this is my first year playing in the majot amateur events. Now that I've made the Irish team, I will be playing full time golf through to at least September when I hope to try Q School.

"I would certainly like to make the Irish team for the Home Internationals.This is my first time in St Andrews and I just love it"

O'Rourke has a world amateur ranking of 549. 

MORE QUOTES:

137 (67,70) Johan Rebula (South Africa).18 year old from George on South Africa's south coast.

" This is my first time in St Andrews and it is just awsome. There's so much more happening than I thought there would be.  The weather played a big part in my score today and it made the Old Course really tough., particularly on the mental side. I'll be happy just to be here tomorrow." 

136 (66,70) Ewen Ferguson (Bearsden).

"I had a terrible finish (bogey, bogey) and am not too happy with that. I also bogeyed the first and the same at the last where I had only a sand wedge for my second shot. I could have got really angry but managed to control it.

"I was very annoyed and disappointed. However, there were a lot of good things out there and there are still two rounds to go".

THE halfway cut fell at 142, i.e 36-hole tallies of 143 and over missed the cut.
Scots who missed the cut included last year's Scottish champion, the Oban left-hander Robert MacIntyre (68-77), Craigmillar Park Open winner Graeme Robertson (74-72) and Barry Hume, recent winner of the Welsh Open strokeplay. He scored 70-76 at St Andrews. 

SECOND ROUND SCOREBOARD
Round 1 - New Course (par 71)
Round 2 - Old Course (par  72)
134 Conor O'Rourke (Ireland) 65 69
135 Sandy Scott (Nairn) 68 67, Kim Koivu (Finland) 66 69
136 Ewen Ferguson (Bearsden) 66 70, Liam Johnston (Dumfries and Co) 66 70.
137 Jovan Rebula (South Africa) 67 70, Craig Howie (Peebles) 65 72
138 Alfie Plant (Sundridge Park) 66 72, Travis Smyth (Australia) 69 69, Jamie Savage (Cawder) 67 71, Calum Fyfe (Cawder) 71 67.

REST OF SCOTS' SCORES 
139 Mark Dickson (St Andrews New) 71 68 (T12)
140 Connor Syme (Drumoig) 71 69, Grant Forrest (Craigielaw) 71 69 (T17)
MISSED CUT TO LEADING 40 AND TIES
143 Jeff Wright (Forres) 68 75, Alister Hain (St Andrews) 68 75, E Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie) 70 73 (T53)
145 Robert MacIntyre (Glencruitten) 68 77, C Ross (Kirkhill) 71 74 (T79)

146 Graeme Robertson (Glenbervie) 74 72, Matthew Clark (Kilmacolm) 73 73, Barry Hume (Glenbervie) 70 76  (T96)
147 Scott Gibson (Southerness) 71 76 (T112)
148 Kyle Godsman (Moray) 74 74, Lawrence Allan (Alva) 72 76  (T118)
 
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