Hutcheon leads 10 Scottish qualifiers for PGA Championship

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Greig Hutcheon, almost did not get to the Ladybank venue because of roads blocked by snow.

FINAL TOTALS
Par 71
QUALIFIERS FOR FINAL
69 G Hutcheon (Paul Lawrie Golf Centre Inchmarlo) £500
70 G Brown (Montrose Links) £300

71 P Wytrazek (Burntisland), G Paxton (Ralston), P McKechnie (Braid Hills) £200 each
72 C McMaster (Wellsgreen), K McNicoll (Gullane), S Savage (Dalmuir) £33 each
73 L Mann (Carnoustie), A Stuart (Paul Lawrie GC)
ALTERNATES
74 J McGhee (Whitehill House), D Williamson (Kirkhill).
75 R Harrower (Boat of Garten), R McConnachie (Peterculter), N Huguet (Musselburgh), C Ronald (Carluke), A Welsh (Cathkin Braes), G Dingwall (Royal Dornoch).
76 C Matheson (Falkirk Tryst), C Haugh (Cawder), S Williamson (Clydeway Golf), R Murdoch (Dumfries and Galloway), J Sharp (Carrick on Loch Lomond), M Isaacs (Gamola Golf), S Henderson (Kings Links).
77 C Tierney (Bishopbriggs), M Mackenzie (Edzell), S McLaren (Blairgowrie), P Jamieson (Dunblane New), S Clelland (Hayston), M Murray (Brora).
78 I Taylor (Drumpellier), K Monaghan (Linlithgow), A Cooper (Newmachar).
79 F Galloway (Scoonie), M Huish (North Berwick), J Smallwood (Irvine).
80 P Malone (Braid Hills)
81 M Hillson (Kilconquhar Castle)
82 P Edgcombe (Forrester Park), R Leeds (Archerfield Links)
85 L Burnett (Mearns Castle)
86 C Steven (Strathclyde Park)
NR M Pottinger (American Golf)

HUTCH leads 10 Scottish qualifiers for

PGA pro championship at Oxfordshire

Greig Hutcheon spent the day battling winter weather before winning the Titleist and FootJoy PGA Professional Championship Scottish qualifying event at Ladybank Golf Club, Fife today (Tuesday).

Hutcheon, playing for the first time out of the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre Inchmarlo, carded a two under par 69 to lead the 10 qualifiers by one shot ahead of Graeme Brown (Montrose Links).

Hutch, who earned a £500 first prize, thus qualified for his first PGA Professional Championship final with the £78,000 showpiece event to be held at The Oxfordshire course between July 26-29.

Greig said later that even getting to the Fife venue was a struggle.

“The road ahead (over the hills) was blocked by snow. The police turned me back, so I had to take a 40min detour the long way round to get to the course,” explained Hutcheon.
“And during the event we had to come off for a hailstorm, but it was only a brief stoppage and I was on the 17th so it didn’t affect me too much but it was incredible weather for April!”
Hutcheon, still attached to the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre, admitted that, despite his experience, he found the one round qualifying format kept him on his toes.
“You’re always aware that one bad shot can affect your position on the leaderboard,” he said.
“And with only one round to play, that’s difficult to get back so I kept it nice and steady. I dropped a couple of shot but managed to get four birdies (long seventh, 10th, 11th and 17th) as well so I was happy with that.
“I’d never played in this event before and it was difficult.
“I wasn’t sure two under par would be enough to win it but the PGA provided an excellent venue with superb greens, they got it right and it made for a close contest.

“It was just ironic that with all the sunny days we’ve had recently, we got some cold weather for this event.”

Brown, who earned £300, birdied the first, seventh, long 13th and 15th in compiling is one-under 70. He had bogeys at the third, 10th and 12th.

There was a three-way tie for third spot with Paul Wytrazek (Burntisland Golf Club), Greg Paxton (Ralston Golf Club) and Paul McKechnie (Braid Hills Golf Range) all tied on level par 71 while Gullane’s Keir McNicoll, who on Friday received the Titleist PGA Assistant of the Year award was also among the qualifiers with a 72, the same score as Chris McMaster (Wellsgreen) and Stewart Savage (Dalmuir).

Alan Stuart (Paul Lawrie Golf Centre) and Fraser Mann's brother Lindsay (Carnoustie) tied for final qualifying spots with matching 73s.

Labels: tartan tour

THE OPEN CAMPING VILLAGE AT TROON TO OFFER FREE ACCOMMODATION TO THE NEXT GENERATION OF GOLF FANS

R AND A NEWS RELEASE

The next generation of golf fans attending The 145^TH Open at Royal Troon this summer will be able to book free accommodation at The Open Camping Village. The initiative is part of The R&A’s commitment to ensure the Championship is open to all.

The Open returns to the historic Ayrshire links from 10-17 July and will see the world’s best players competing to become Champion Golfer of the Year. Now spectators aged 25 and under will be able to take advantage of the new accommodation option free of charge.

The Open Camping Village, which will be run by The R&A’s official accommodation partner, will be located a short walk from Royal Troon at Marr Rugby Club. It will feature two, four and six person pre-pitched tents along with inflatable camping beds for each guest. There will be 500 camping places available each night with the facility set to be open from 10-17 July. There will be food and drink options and shower facilities on-site, as well as free parking. Security will be operating 24 hours a day.

Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director – Championships at The R and A said, “There will be an exciting festival atmosphere at Troon throughout the week of The Open as thousands of people come together for a true celebration of golf. The new Camping Village will provide a fun and safe accommodation option for young people within easy walking distance of Royal Troon.

“The Open is a wonderful opportunity for young fans to get up close to their favourite players and we know this will help inspire future generations to pick up a club and take part themselves. Our aim is to make The Open as accessible as possible and the new Camping Village along with discounted Youth Tickets and the Kids Go Free programme are key parts of this commitment.”

Families can also take advantage of the free accommodation at The Open Camping Village, with children under the age of 16 required to be accompanied by at least one adult of any age, to a maximum of two adults.

The Open offers a variety of ticketing options including a discounted Youth Ticket for spectators aged 16 to 21 that ranges in price from £5 on the first Practice Day to £25 for Championship Days.

This year sees The Open celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the Kids Go Free initiative, which allows children under the age of 16 free admission to the Championship when accompanied by an adult. More than 300,000 children have experienced The Open for free since the programme was first introduced at Royal Troon in 1997.

Tickets for The Open are currently available at early season pricing, with prices set to rise after 31 May.

Spectators can register their interest now at www.TheOpen.com/camping with bookings to be taken from early May.

NEW STARTERS ANNOUNCED FOR THE OPEN

The R and A has appointed two new starters for The Open, David Lancaster and Matt Corker, who will announce the players on the first tee at The 145^THOpen at Royal Troon.

David Lancaster will become The Open’s official starter, announcing the world’s best players as they begin their rounds on the historic Ayrshire links. Matt Corker will provide support during the several hours that Lancaster sends players off on each of the Championship days.

They will replace Ivor Robson, who retired at The 144^TH Open last year at St Andrews after serving as official starter for more than 40 years.

“It is an honour and a privilege to be given the opportunity to become the official starter,” said Lancaster. “The Open is one of the most prestigious events in world sport and I have long been inspired by its heritage and the tremendous performances of the golfing greats over the years. Matt and I are very much looking forward to playing a part in history by introducing the players on the first tee.”

Born in 1957 in Lancashire, Lancaster served in the Royal Navy, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He left in 1989 to establish his own company, which specialises in coaching individuals and corporations in the art of giving high impact presentations. A golfer for more than 30 years, Lancaster is a member at Cumberwell Park Golf Club near Bath.

Corker was born in 1953 in Hampshire. In 1974 he was selected to join the Royal Hong Kong police and went on to become Superintendent during a 22-year career. Returning to the UK in 1997, Matt joined Lancaster’s company as an associate.

Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director – Championships at The R&A, said, “David and Matt have a wealth of experience in presenting to audiences of all sizes and we are delighted that they will be announcing the players on the first tee, beginning this year at Royal Troon.

“We were looking for starters who would be comfortable performing in front of both the thousands of spectators on site and the millions around the world watching at home. David and Matt were recommended to us for their expertise in this field and when we met it became clear that they would be an excellent fit for this role.”

The Open returns to Royal Troon for the ninth time this summer from 10-17 July. Zach Johnson will look to defend the title he won in a play-off over Louis Oosthuizen and Marc Leishman at St Andrews in 2015 and become the seventh American in succession to lift the Claret Jug at Royal Troon.

Labels: OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

Charl Schwartzel joins compatriot Louis

Oosthuizen in deciding to skip Olympics

FROM SKYSPORTS.COM

South Africa's Charl Schwartzel has joined compatriot Louis Oosthuizen in deciding to skip this year's Olympics.

Just days after Oosthuizen added his name to a lengthening list of golfers who have opted to give the Rio de Janeiro games a miss, world No 20 Schwartzel has followed suit.
South African legend Gary Player, who will captain his country's golfers at the Olympics, where golf is returning after a 112-year absence, revealed Schwartzel's decision in a statement.

"I am sad and disappointed that several top players have withdrawn from the Olympic Games in Rio," he said.

"I was sorry to hear that Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel have withdrawn their names from consideration.
"I would have given anything to play in the Olympics. South Africa had a great team, but now obviously, it will not be as good."
Oosthuizen confirmed his decision to skip Rio last week, saying he had pulled out after "family and schedule issues".
Fellow major-winner Adam Scott of Australia also pulled out last week, citing "an extremely busy playing schedule around the time of the Olympics".
Scott's decision was greeted with a chorus of disapproval in his homeland, with Australian swimming great Dawn Fraser leading the catcalls.
"Well done, Adam, great to put your country on hold so that you can fulfil your own schedule," Fraser said.
Player meanwhile said modern players should give back to golf by playing in the Olympics.
"Players today make so much and should be giving back," he said.
"The Olympics is one way they can do that since there is no prize money. Golf is one of the most popular sports in the world and our best players should be showcased on the biggest stage in sports."

Labels: PRO GOLF

Tiger plays first stretch of holes since August

FROM BBCSPORT.COM

Tiger Woods has played his first stretch of holes since last August at the opening of a course he helped design.

The former world number one hit a ceremonial tee shot then played a few holes with his friend Mark O'Meara at Bluejack National in Texas.
The 40-year-old had two back operations last autumn, but by registering for the US Open in June he has suggested a return may be imminent.
"We're just trying to progress, and I'm doing that," he said.
Woods last competed at the Wyndham Championship in North Carolina last August, after which he had a small disc fragment that was pinching his nerve removed.
His world ranking has fallen to 499 and earlier this month he missed the Masters for only the second time since his tournament debut in 1995.
Videos of the 14-time major champion hitting balls in practice have appeared in the past few weeks and Monday's short round demonstrated further progress with his rehabilitation.
"This is actually the first time I've played holes since Wyndham. It's been a while," he added.
"You saw how I was going at it today, nice and smooth. That's harder than I have been going at it the last month. Just gradually progressing."
The Golf Channel reported that Woods could compete at the Wells Fargo Championship early next month, but the American's team maintain there is no planned return date.

Labels: PRO GOLF

Dalmahoy rings down winter season curtain

on Scottish Junior Tour

FROM WALTER BURNS

Scottish Junior Golf Tour

Here are the results from the Scottish Junior Golf Tour event at Dalmahoy on Sunday on the West course. This was the finale of our winter season and the format was 9:9ParGolf where only the best 9 holes count.

The juniors were joined in the competition by a number of parents to make it a fun family event. There was a better-ball team competition in addition to the individual and skills competitions.

The scoring was excellent and two of the boys, Callum Leeson and Ian Taggart, shot five under par. The Team event was jointly won by Aran Sinclair, Aidan and Callum Husenne and also Conny and Sebastian Sandin, Gregor Johnston and Liam Kirkham.

Thanks to our Coaches Scott and Kendal for organising the challenging skills tests.

Leading Scores

Under 18

-3 Aidan Smith (Edzell)

-2 Aidan Husenne (Whitecraigs), Ibrahim Hussain (Eastwood)

Under 16

-5 Callum Leeson (Pitreavie), Ian Taggart (Lenzie)

-4 Craig Jackman (Dunblane)

-2 Jack Lockhart (Pitreavie)

Under 14

-3 Aamar Saleem (St Andrews), Sebastian Sandin (Dunblane)

-2 George Cannon (Falkirk)

-1 Roddy McCauley (Fereneze)

Under 12

+3 Callum Waugh (Cambuslang)

+8 Cameron Kelly (Fereneze)

The Adults

-4 Stephen Roulston (Dalmahoy), Conny Sandin (Glenearn)

-2 Steve Davies (Troon Welbeck), Callum Husenne (Whitecraigs)

The handicap prize was won by Josh Davies (Troon Welbeck) with 18 under par.

Steve Davies and Peter McAuley (Fereneze) won the adults' handicap prize with 7 under par.

George Cannon won the skills challenges.

The handicap team event was won by the Dalmahoy team of Alan and Zoe Greenhill and Stephen and Amy Roulston with nett 44 (24 under par!)

2016 Major Prize Winners

Player of the Year Craig Jackman

U18 Champion Aidan Husenne

U16 Champion Ian Taggart

U15 Champion Jack Lockhart

U14 Champion Roddy McAuley

U13 Champion Aamar Saleem

U12 Champion Callum Waugh

Handicap Champion Callum Leeson

Matchplay Champion Aamar Saleem

Skills Champion George Cannon

Thanks to all our Junior Tour families for making this our 9^th season a great one despite the challenging weather. I look forward to meeting up with you all again in September for our 10^th season!

Have a great summer.

Walter Burns

Scottish Junior Golf Tour

Mob: 07951 103 827

Email: walter@scottishjuniorgolftour.co.uk

Web: www.scottishjuniorgolftour.co.uk

Labels: Boys

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Hutcheon leads 10 Scottish qualifiers for PGA Championship

Charl Schwartzel joins compatriot Louis

Oosthuizen in deciding to skip Olympics

FROM SKYSPORTS.COM

Also See:

Tiger plays first stretch of holes since August