Pitlochry Golf support Wallace Booth's aim to make it to the European Tour

 Wallace Booth is flanked by Pitlochry Golf directors, Steve (left) and Greg Carruthers. Picture by courtesy of Bannerman Media.

By GORDON BANNERMAN

FORMER world team champion and Walker Cup competitor Wallace Booth is refusing to give up on his dream of playing his way to a European Tour card.

A combination of injury and inconsistency has undermined the Perthshire player’s ambitions since he joined Gavin Dear and Callum Macaulay in capturing the 2008 Eisenhower Trophy for Scotland at Royal Adelaide Golf Club.

Their American opponents Down Under included Ryder Cup star Rickie Fowler and 2014 FedEx Cup champion Billy Horschel, along with US PGA Tour star Jamie Lovemark.

While the vanquished US players have thrived, the Scots struggled after stepping up into the pro ranks.

But Booth (31) is now gearing-up for a season on the third tier Europro Tour, boosted by backing from Pitlochry Golf.

And he enjoyed a perfect warm-up at the weekend, banking the 2000 Euro first prize after an Algarve Pro Golf Tour play-off win in Portugal.

Booth said: “I was delighted to get my first professional win in nearly five years at the Penina Golf Resort. It was even more satisfying to win in a play-off because I was 0-3 in previous ones. It’s given me a nice platform to build from for the season."

Welcoming Booth’s flying start sporting the Big County club crest, Steve Carruthers, Pitlochry Golf director, said: “Wallace is playing under the Pitlochry Golf banner and he can help us raise the profile of a wonderful golf course.

“I have known him for many years, we have had a long term friendship. I actually played with Wallace in his first ever Perth and Kinross county match when he was just 14.

“Wallace will come to Pitlochry for member days, help with the juniors and use our practice facilities, which are among the very best in the region.”

Booth, who has also been delighted with the take-up from businesses and friends taking-up shares in his Europro Tour campaign, added:

 “Hopefully I can help with the profile of both Pitlochry and Blair Atholl and help spread the word in an ambassadorial role. Pitlochry is popular with tourists as well as members but even more golfers should get to enjoy this hidden gem of a golf course.”