New champion George Burns lives up to his local hero tag at Crail Golfing Society


Day 5 Report: Scottish Men’s Amateur Championship
FROM CAMERON McLAY AT CRAIL GS
 It was a day to remember for George Burns as he was crowned Scottish men’s amateur champion on his home links at Crail Golfing Society. 

Burns, who defeated Kirkhill Golf Club’s Lewis Irvine on the 19th hole in Saturday afternoon’s Final, became the first player to win the men’s amateur title at his home club since Jim Milligan defeated Andrew Coltart at Kilmarnock Barassie in 1988. 
Although playing their eighth competitive round of the week, there was no sign of fatigue from Burns or Irvine 
Burns, who defeated Darren Howie in the Saturday morning semi-finals, opened his final campaign with birdies on the first three holes of Crail’s Craighead Links, scoring which was matched by Irvine who reached the Final with a semi-final win on the 20th hole over Matthew Clark (Kilmacolm). 
The hot start from both finalists set the tone for the rest of the match which saw a total of 14 birdies, 18 pars and just four bogeys shared between both golfers. 
Burns later commented on the outstanding level of golf  in the Final, saying, “We both got off to a flying start. It was just some really free-flowing golf between the pair of us.
"It is not often that you get a match like that where both guys are going at it and playing exceptionally well. It was great that we were both able to peak for the Final, especially after playing so much golf this week. 
"Lewis put up a great fight and made it a championship final to remember. All credit to him for that.” 
 On being crowned 2019 Scottish men’s amateur champion, Burns added, “Hearing people say I am the Scottish men’s amateur champion sounds really nice; I could definitely get used to that. 
"I knew that I was playing well so it was important that I kept my head down and keep fighting which fortunately was enough to be the winner.” 
Reflecting on the week at Crail Golfing Society, Burns admits it has been a special week saying, “This week has been superb from start to finish. The staff here at Crail have been so supportive of me and have allowed me to work on my game here for the last year as a member. 
"It’s special to get the win here in such a prestigious event and also to know that the hard work and continuous hours of practice have allowed me to prove to myself that it was worth it, I am really pleased.”