Harrington signs $10million new
contract to play Wilson clubs

It's been confirmed that repeating Open champion Padraig Harrington has signed a three-year extension of his contact with Wilson Golf which will earn him $10 million.
The negotiations began seven months ago on a renewal of his contract but Harrington successfully defended the Open title at Royal Birkdale and then won the US PGA championship, two major victories that increased the Irishman's value to the Wilson Company.
It is believed that other club and equipment manufacturers had made offers to add Harrington to their "stable," but he said he was never tempted to leave Wilson with whom he has had a 10-year arrangement.
Harrington has done more than play Wilson clubs, he has helped the company develop clubs to his requirements.
Harrington now enjoys the same status as the other big names who use Wilson equipment in other sporting arenas, tennis superstars Roger Federer and the Williams sisters and New England Patriots quarter back Tom Brady.

Hutcheon & Kinloch twins
team up to play in Scottish
Seniors Spanish Festival

By COLIN FARQUHARSON
Monifieth's golfing Hutcheon twins - Ian and Fred - are teaming up to play in the "doubles" competition which is the opening event of the Scottish Seniors Golfing Society's Spanish Festival at Hacienda del Alamo Golf Resort, Murcia next week.
That's Ian, by the way, pictured right by Cal Carson Golf Agency, standing outside Monifieth Golf Club.
And they are not the only twins in action over the Dave Thomas-designed course which Ryder Cup player Miguel Angel Jimenez calls home and at which North-east loon Billy Sim, that well known Deveronvale FC share-holder, is the Director of Golf. Jim and Peter Kinloch from Cardross, joint secretaries and treasurers of the Scottish Seniors Golfing Society, are also twinning up for the "doubles."
SSGS vice-captain Keith Howie tells me that the first round of the "doubles" will be a better-ball, four-ball. The second round will be a greensome. So now you know. Thanks for the information, Keith, who is going to E-mail back the daily scores from Hacienda del Alamo for display on http://www.scottishgolfview.com/
The main event of the week is the 54-hole Murcia Seniors Open which tees off on Thursday.
Other competitors at the inaugural Festival include former Scottish and Spanish seniors champion Gordon MacDonald (Callander), the captain of the SSGS, and past Walker Cup player Sandy Pirie (Hazlehead). Also competiting is the current Scottish seniors champion Bob Stewart (Tulliallan).
Starting times:
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4
"DOUBLES" First round.
First tee
9.0 John McDonald & Richard Gray, David Smith & Alan MacNaught.
9.10 David Millar & Peter MacDonald, Basil Griffiths & Peter Barnett.
9.30 Ian Hutcheon & Fred Hutcheon, Ian Taylor & Keith Howie.
9.30 Jim Kinloch & Peter Kinloch, Drew Wilson & Jim Graham.
9.40 Gordon MacDonald & Sandy Pirie, George Paterson & Robbie Nairn.
9.50 Dougal Chalmers & Ronald MacDonald, Les Fowler & Colin Stewart.

10.0 Neil Campbell & Martin Cockburn, Donald Love & partner.
10.10 Andrew Laird & Norman Forster, Ian Donaldson & Finlay Jardine.
10.20 William Grant & Sven Oestergaard, John Lang & Ken Hannah.
10.30 Ian McLean & David Williams, Ian Burrows & Tony Keyhoe.
10th tee
9.0 David Doodson & Ian Hunter, Bill McKenzie & Bill Methven.
9.10 Ken Lumsden & Alan Williamson, Alasdair Brown & Hugh Gilmour.
9.20 Derek Sim & Malcolm Sim, Brian Smith & Ian Jeen.
9.30 George Rodaks & Ian Brotherston, Billy Wallace & Peter Barclay.
9.40 Derek Murphy & Bob Stewart, James Johnston & Ken Forrest.
9.50 Jim Roy & Brian Kidd, Donnie Lee & Tom Allan.

10.0 Vic Trojan & Steve Edwards, Jim Pagan & Bob Lee.
19.10 Bruce Webster & Dave Townsend, Bob Mackie & Roy Francey.
10.20 Peter Green & Stephen Haskins, Alan Nelson & Norm Williamson.
MURCIA SENIORS (individual) OPEN
Three rounds, November 6 to 8.
FIRST ROUND
First tee
9.0 Peter MacDonald, Brian Kidd, Keith Howie.
9.08 David Doodson, Neil Campbell, Vic Trojan.
9.16 David Millart, Iain Jeen, Les Fowler.
9.24 Robbie Nairn, Alan Williamson, Colin Stewart.
9.32 Ian Hutcheon, Basil Griffiths, Peter Kinloch.
9.40 Sandy Pirie, George Rodaks, Brian Smith.
9.48 Jim Kinloch, Fred Hutcheon, Bob Stewart.
9.56 James Johnston, Gordon MacDonald, Jim Graham.
10.04 Ian Brotherston, Finlay Jardine, Derek Murphy.
10.12 John McDonald, David Smith, Ian Taylor.
10.20 George Paterson, Ken Forrest, Derek Sim.
10.28 Drew Wilson, Richard Gray, Alan MacNaught.
10th tee
9.0 Billy Wallace, Jim Roy, Malcolm Sim.
9.08 Bill Methven, Andrew Laird, Ken Lumsden.
9.16 Norman Forster, Ian Hunter, William Grant.
9.25 Roy Francey, Jim Pagan, Bob Mackie.
9.32 Donnie Lee, Peter Barclay, Tom Allan.
9.40 Sven Oestergaard, Dave Townsend, Peter Barnett.
9.48 Alasdair Brown, Bruce Webster, Bob Lee.
9.56 Ken Hannah, John Lang, Ronald MacDonald.
10.04 Dougal Chalmers, Hugh Gilmour, Steve Edwards.
10.12 Bill McKenzie, Martin Cockburn, Ian Donaldson.
10.20 Donald Love, Alan Nelson, Norman Williamson.

VOLVO MASTERS' SECOND-DAY PLAY SUSPENDED

The rain in Spain fell mainly on
Valderrama today ....

Less than four hours' play was possible on the second day of the European Tour's season-ending Volvo Masters at Valderrama today because of heavy rain.
But that was long enough for defending champion Justin Rose to fail to break 80 for the second successive day - and then withdraw after being told of the death of his grandfather in South Africa.
Ten players had not even started their second rounds, including leaders Soren Kjeldsen and Sergio Garcia, but in the battle for the Order of Merit title Miguel Angel Jimenez dropped seven strokes in the first four holes before the suspension came.
The decision not to have preferred lies appeared to have done him no good at all.
That almost certainly puts the Spaniard out of the running for the money list title - he had to win to stand a chance - leaving only Robert Karlsson, Lee Westwood and Padraig Harrington to battle for the crown.
Jimenez, in the dreadful conditions, started bogey, double bogey, bogey, triple bogey. At the end of that little run, he had gone from two over par to nine over.
Jimenez, normally the most mild mannered of competitors, complained that play should never have started. He also noted that everyone should experience in the same conditions, in so far as that is possible – and that those who had still to finish or started their rounds at 8.30 in the morning could have an unfair advantage.
Jose Manuel Lara, who completed 14 holes, was another Spaniard who was cold, wet and out of sorts. "The course was unplayable after three holes," he protested.
John Paramor, the chief referee, and David Garland, the tournament director, could not have been more straightforward. Paramor explained that when he did a reconnaissance lap of the course at dawn, conditions had been acceptable. What is more, the forecast was for a big wind and dry intervals amid the showers.
Where things went wrong was when a cold, wet front from Portugal joined forces with one already in place. "In retrospect," said Paramor, "I wish I had allowed preferred lies."
Since he did not, he cannot now introduce them when the second round resumes.
Harrington demonstrated all his major championship steel in being level par for his 13 holes."I did as well as I could in the conditions," said the Irishman.
What helped to keep his spirits up was the thought of the unfortunate fellow who, in his weather forecast on local radio, had promised a lovely day.
The shot the repeating Open champion was still savouring at the end of his dark and dripping expedition was his third to the fourth. It was an eight-iron of 122 yards played from a side-hill, downhill lie in rough which he hit through the worst of the elements to 12 feet.
Harrington, who said that the secret of wet-weather golf was to dry the grip of the club before you put it back in the bag, has not given up on winning this championship. Not by any means.
Offialdom is still hoping that the tournament will still be a 72-hole affair but, with more rain – and lightning – forecast for today, they know they could be down to three rounds or even two.
Current No 1 Karlsson was three over after four holes and Harrington five over after 13, while Westwood had yet to resume on one under.
Rose added an 81 to his opening 80 for a 19-over-par total of 161. He was last by seven when play was called off just after mid-day and then postponed for the day three hours later.
The forecast is not good for the weekend, meaning the last-ever Volvo Masters could be cut to 54 or even 36 holes.
COMPLETED SECOND ROUND TOTALS
Par 142 (2 x 71)
151 Nick Dougherty (Eng) 78 73.
154 Alvaro Quiros (Spa) 78 76.
161 Justin Rose (Eng) 80 81.

FASTH ON TRACK FOR SUCCESS
AT ISKANDAR JOHOR OPEN
Johor Bahru, Malaysia, October 31: Sweden’s Niclas Fasth lived up to his star billing by taking a share of the clubhouse lead with Australia’s Mitchell Brown at the weather-disrupted Iskandar Johor Open on Friday.
The former European Ryder Cup stalwart shot a second successive four-under-par 68 in the second round at Royal Johor Country Club to join Brown, who carded a 69, atop the leaderboard on eight-under-par 136 at the US$500,000 Asian Tour event.
Two-time Asian number one Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand charged into contention with a superb 66 to lie one back while title holder Artemio Murakami of the Philippines was three off the pace after a 72.
Former US Open champion Retief Goosen of South Africa carded a blemish-fee 69 for a 141 total and knows he must produce the fireworks at the weekend to challenge for the Iskandar Johor Open title.
A two-hour lightning delay in the afternoon meant that 42 players failed to complete their second rounds and will restart at 7.30am on Saturday, with the third round scheduled to begin at approximately 9.30am.
Fasth, winner of six titles in Europe, remained bogey-free through 36 holes and sank four birdies on his front nine. He rued a cold putter as numerous birdie attempts rolled past the edges.
“I played very well on the front nine but a bit scruffy on the back nine. I had loads of birdie chances but yet again, I would have hoped for a few more to drop. I guess I’m not alone in that, I’m not too far off,” said Fasth.
Ranked as high as 18th in the world last year, Fasth has slipped back to 82nd after his form dipped due to work in remodelling his swing with English swing guru Dennis Pugh this year.
With a great chance to land a first title of the year, Fasth reckons his vast experience could favour him. “I’m getting happier with my game as we have progressed and if I can keep improving, I have a good chance,” said the 36-year-old Swede.
Brown hopes he is a “couple of days” away from winning his maiden title after cruising into contention. The 23-year-old Aussie, who enjoyed a spell as world amateur number one in 2006, sank an eagle on the 11th hole, three birdies against two bogeys.
With six top-10s on the Asian Tour since making his debut last year, Brown is itching to break into the winner’s circle. “I played a lot better than yesterday and it was kind of good. I was pretty calm and collected until the last hole where I missed a one and a half footer for par. But it was okay. I’m quite happy,” said Brown.
Asked if he was close to a maiden professional victory, Mitchell replied: “I’m not sure, hopefully just a couple of days away.”
Thongchai shrugged off the effects of jetlag as he soared up the leaderboard with seven birdies and needed only 23 putts in his round.
“I had a good sleep last night and felt good. I hit the ball really well and hit a lot of fairways and greens,” said Thongchai. “In the first round, I didn’t know how to control my putts or my irons. Sometimes, my distance was also wrong but the second round is so much better.”
Defending champion Murakami traded one birdie against a bogey as he remained at five-under. “I didn’t birdie the two par fives on the second and 11th holes which are birdie holes but that’s golf. I couldn’t make any putts,” said the Filipino.
Goosen, winner of the US Open in 2001 and 2004, endured a similarly frustrating day on the tricky Royal Johor greens although he improved by three shots from his opening day’s effort. “I felt a little bit better but I’m still struggling on the par fives. I’ve only made one birdie on the par fives in two days and all the par fives are reachable. So not making birdies on them feel like bogeys,” said Goosen.
India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar was seven under par for the tournament with two holes of his second round remaining while Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant, Asia’s most prolific winner with 10 titles, moved into the title hunt after a second 69 left him two off the lead.
Iain Steel was Malaysia’s best placed golfer after a 69 left him three off the lead.
LEADING SECOND-ROUND TOTALS
Par 144 (2 x 72)
136 Mitchell Brown (AUS) 67-69, Niclas Fasth (SWE) 68-68
137 Thongchai Jaidee (THA) 71-66
138 Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 69-69
139 Artemio Murakami (PHI) 67-72, Panuwat Muenlek (THA) 69-70, Iain Steel (MAS) 70-69, Kane Webber (AUS) 68-71
140 M. Murugiah (SIN) 70-70, Rick Kulacz (AUS) 67-73
141 Retief Goosen (RSA) 72-69, Mardan Mamat (SIN) 71-70, Adam Groom (AUS) 72-69
142 Ben Leong (MAS) 71-71, Airil Rizman (MAS) 71-71, Clay Devers (USA) 72-70, Ronnachai Jamnong (THA) 71-71, Chapchai Nirat (THA) 73-69, Simon Dunn (SCO) 71-71, Ashley Hall (AUS) 72-70
(Note: 42 players did not complete round two. Will resume at 7.30am Saturday)

Andrew Wallace finishes
top Scot in Faldo
Final in Brazil

Glenbervie's Andrew Wallace, the first-round leader in the Under-21s, finished up as the top Scot in the Nick Faldo Series Grand Final at Bahia, Brazil.
Wallace, pictured right, from Falkirk, finished joint runner-up, four shots behind Steven Brown (Wentworth). Wallace had rounds of 67,77 and 73 for 217, compared with Brown's 72, 69 and 72 for three-under-par 213.
Alasdair Dalgleish (Haywards Heath), with rounds of 72, 81 and 80 for 233, came joint third in the Boys' Under-18 section, 15 shots behind the winner from India, Rahul Bakshi. Stuart Ballingall (Dunston Hall) finished seventh in this age group. Stuart scored 83, 74 and 81 for 238.
Scottish schoolboys champion Chris Robb (Inchmarlo) finished joint ninth in the Boys' Under-17 section, 20 shots behind the South American winner. Chris had rounds of 85, 76 and 78 for 239.
Brora's Calum Stewart came ninth in the Boys' Under-15 category, 16 shots behind the winner from Royal Norwich, Thomas Clements.
Calum scored 80, 81 and 79 for 240. Louis Gaughan (Bathgate) was also competing in this section. He had rounds of 81, 81 and 85 for 257.
Gillian Monteith (Portpatrick Dunskey) finished seventh in the Under-18 girls' section, won by the English women's champion Hannah Barwood from Knowle, Bristol. She had ever-improving rounds of 86, 81 and 77 for a total of 244. Hannah scored 78, 74 and 78 for 230 and a two-shot win from compatriot Jenna Birch (Royal Lytham) (79-77-76).
LEADING FINAL TOTALS
Par 216 (3 x 72)
UNDER-21
213 Steven Brown (Wentworth) 72 69 72.
217 Andrew Wallace (Glenbervie) 67 77 73, James Watts (East Herts) 73 65 79.
219 Andrew Palmer (Chorley) 72 72 75.
220 Rhys Black (Sherwood Forest) 77 71 72.
222 Andy Shakespear (Five Lakes) 74 71 77.
BOYS' UNDER-18
218 Rahul Bakshi (India) 73 69 76.
232 Barry Anderson (Sligo, Ireland) 73 78 81.
233 Luke Maguire (Howley Hall) 78 76 79, Alasdair Dalgleish (Haywards Heath) 72 81 80, Sam Whitehead (Woburn) 76 77 80.
Selected score:
238 Stuart Ballingall (Dunston Hall) 83 74 81 (jt 7th).
BOYS' UNDER-17
219 Rafael Becker (South America) 76 70 73.
226 Reeve Whitson (Mourne, Ireland) 78 74 74.
228 Ben Stow (Hampworth) 82 71 75.
Selected score:
239 Chris Robb (Inchmarlo) 85 76 78 (jt 9th).
BOYS' UNDER-16
225 Adrian Otaegui (San Sebastian, Spain) 76 72 77, Koray Varli (Turkey) 76 71 78 (Otaegui won tie-breaker).
230 Gareth Johnson (Howley Hall) 78 75 77.
232 Oliver Lewis (Ludlow) 83 74 75.
BOYS' UNDER-15
224 Thomas Clements (Royal Norwich) 75 73 76.
225 Rhys Pugh (Vale of Glamorgan) 73 73 79.
230 Dermot McElroy (Ballymena) 76 75 79.
Selected scores:
240 Calum Stewart (Brora) 80 81 79 (9th).
257 Louis Gaughan (Bathgate) 81 91 85.
GIRLS UNDER-18
230 Hannah Barwood (Knowle) 78 74 78.
232 Jenna Birch (Royal Lytham) 79 77 76.
234 Eloin Ulu (Turkey) 77 81 76.
237 Eyglo Myrra (Iceland) 79 81 77.
242 Emma O'Driscoll (Ballybunion) 82 78 82.
243 Abbey Gittings (Walmley) 80 80 83
244 Gillian Monteith (Portpatrick Dunskey) 86 81 77.
245 Raffi Dyer (Hayland Island) 82 81 82.
247 Miranda Brain (Gog Magog) 81 83 83.
253 Tiffany Hewetson (East Brighton) 84 81 88.
255 Megan Burgess (Cavendish) 87 85 83.

READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE AND GET ALL THE SCORES BY SWITCHING OVER TO www.kirkwoodgolf.co.uk

Opening day of season-ending Volvo Masters at Valderrama

Great Dane Kjeldsen shoots a 65 to lead
by three from Sergio Garcia

Denmark’s Søren Kjeldsen warned there was “a long way to go,” despite taking a three-shot lead over Sergio Garcia on the opening day of the season-ending Volvo Masters at Valderrama with a brilliant six-under-par 65.
The Dane made light work of difficult windy conditions in southern Spain as the European Tour season draws to a close with the top 60 players on The Order of Merit taking to the course.
Four of those - Robert Karlsson, Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Miguel Angel Jiménez - are all in contention for the Harry Vardon Trophy as winner of the Order of Merit.
Kjeldsen’s round gives him the advantage over Sunday's Castellon Masters winner Garcia, who is a shot ahead of England’s David Lynn and Anthony Wall.
On a day when birdies were difficult to come by, Kjeldsen made eight of them, thanks to some tremendous putting and pinpoint accuracy from the tee.
“The breeze was strong and there's not that much space out there really,” he said.
“You have to control the ball well and seems like pretty much every shot I hit today came up sort of the way I saw it before hitting it. So you've got to take advantage of those days, and I did.
“There's a long way to go. My priority is to hit a good tee shot on the first tomorrow, and that's as far as it goes really. You never know with this game, especially on this course, but playing well last year and playing well last week, I felt good coming into today. But to do six under today, I couldn't have predicted that obviously.”
Garcia said: "I think it was a good, solid start. Tough day on a very difficult golf course. Wind was blowing quite hard and was all over the place but I managed to hit the ball quite decent and gave myself some good birdie chances.
"You know, the greens I missed, I hit some good chips and gave myself some good par putts at it. I putted nicely, overall, it was a nice start for the week."
Karlsson promised a marshal “as many beers as he wants” after staying on course for the Order of Merit Title.
Despite only managing a 73, Karlsson is still looking good for the money list crown as Harrington, Westwood and Jiménez are not where they need to be on the leaderboard.
The Swede's round was slipping away from him when he drove into bushes on the long 11th, but the marshal risked cutting himself to ribbons by crawling in to retrieve the ball.
“We could see five balls in there, but couldn't identify them,” said Karlsson. “There were a lot of thorns and things, but he volunteered to go in and found it.”
It meant Karlsson did not have to go all the way back to the tee, and after salvaging a par on the hole he birdied the 15th and 18th for an inward 34.
Harrington, who requires a top two finish to have a chance of regaining the No 1 spot, managed only a 76 to be joint 43rd of the 57-strong field.
Westwood and Jiménez, who have to win on Sunday, finished the day tied for fifth and 16th respectively after returning 70 and 73.
The day belonged to Kjeldsen, though, on his return to the course where he lost a play-off to Justin Rose a year ago.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ ALL THE VOLVO MASTERS FIRST-ROUND SCORES

Dean Beman (70) recuperating after
quadruple bypass heart surgery

Former US PGA Tour Commissioner Deane Beman is recuperating at his home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida following successful quadruple bypass heart surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.
"I feel very fortunate," said Beman, 70. "I didn't have a heart attack, so there was no damage to the heart. While the recovery process won't be easy, I'm making steady progress. I can walk now and pretty much take care of myself. Everything is going well."
Beman said the surgery, which was performed on Monday, October 20, revealed that two arteries had 80 percent blockage and another 90 percent. "I haven't received the bill yet," he joked, "so I don't know if you get four for the price of three."
Over the course of his 20-year tenure, Beman elevated the US PGA Tour to major sports stature and was the architect of the business structure upon which the Tour has flourished.
Prior to becoming Commissioner, Beman was an accomplished golfer. As an amateur, he captured two U.S. Amateur titles and one British Amateur title. He played in four Walker Cup matches from 1959 to 1965. After turning professional, he won four times on the US PGA Tour

Midland Golfers’ Alliance
Grant’s Promotions Pro Am
Fairmont St Andrews
Wednesday, November 5

TEE TIMES
8.30 G. McLeod N. McLeod D. Wilson A. Saunders
8.38 T. McLevy R. Taylor I. Butchart L. Kinnear
8.46 S. Harrod D. Cameron M. Wilson M. Niven
8.54 B. MacKay B. Christie A. MacKay G. Mathieson
9.02 C. Storrier R. Redpath N. Henderson J. Brown
9.10 A. N. Other R. Ford I. Black R. Beatt
9.18 R. Walker M. Fraser K. Fraser S. Herd
9.26 A. McHardy D. MacGregor W. Smeaton D. Vicary
9.34 D. McKay I. Mitchell I. McMurray T. Devaney
9.42 N. McGill I. Henderson D. Cargill A. Douglas
9.50 G. Finlay P. Callander E. Starritt D. Ritchie
9.58 R. Robertson B. Liddle G. Pendrich A. Smith
10.06 K. McGowan D. Adamson G. Muir H. Haldane
10.14 B. Mason A. Mason I. Mason D. Mason
10.22 P. Jamison D. Mitchell W. Miller G. Paton
10.28 R. Malcolm R. Pennycook C. Westland J. Rennie
10.34 W. Crosbie S. Miller G. Gillespie R. Baldie
10.40 H. Salmond J. Irwin C. Wallace G. Wilkie
10.46 G. Mitchell L. Bushby D. Anderson G. White
10.54 G. Tough J. Barnet G. Atkinson J. Wilson
11.02 L. Vannet F. MacKay J. Milne jnr J. Milne
11.10 C. Matheson L. Irving A. Cameron M. Watkin
11.18 D. Adams A. Herd J. Ward J. Muir
11.26 K. Salmoni H. Grant H. Cowborough J. Strathie
11.34 S. Graham R. Barton H. Hunter G. Hyde
11.42 A. Piatkowski J. Breen W. Herron E. Sherry
11.50 G. Slatter J. Paisley N. Ballingall R. Kier
11.58 L. Sutherland M. Brown G. Cant R. Wallace
12.04 C. Knowles R. De Rose D. Black T. McKenna

European Tour Scoreboard
VOLVO MASTERS
Club de Golf Valderrama, Sotogrande, Spain
FIRST ROUND SCORES
Par 71
65 Soren Kjeldsen (Den)
68 Sergio Garcia (Spa)
69 Anthony Wall, David Lynn
70 Hennie Otto (Rsa), Lee Westwood
71 Darren Clarke, Peter Hedblom (Swe), Thomas Levet (Fra)
72 Peter Hanson (Swe), Robert Jan Derksen (Ned), Steve Webster, Graeme McDowell, Markus Brier (Aut), Simon Dyson
73 Colin Montgomerie, David Howell, Martin Kaymer (Ger), Pablo Larrazabal (Spa), Oliver Fisher, Robert Karlsson (Swe), Paul Casey, Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spa), Richard Green (Aus), Gregory Bourdy (Fra), Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano (Spa)
74 Jeev Milkha Singh (Ind), Francesco Molinari (Ita), Damien McGrane, Anders Hansen (Den), Soren Hansen (Den), John Bickerton, Felipe Aguilar (Chi), Rory McIlroy, Alexander Noren (Swe), Richard Finch, Andres Romero (Arg), Ignacio Garrido (Spa), Henrik Stenson (Swe)
75 Oliver Wilson, Peter Lawrie, Mark Brown (USA)
76 Ross Fisher, James Kingston (Rsa), Scott Strange (Aus), Paul Lawrie, Ian Poulter, Paul McGinley, Gregory Havret (Fra), Padraig Harrington
77 Charl Schwartzel (Rsa), Jean-Francois Lucquin (Fra), Graeme Storm, Jose Manuel Lara (Spa)
78 Nick Dougherty, Alvaro Quiros (Spa)
80 Justin Rose.

Lofty Craig Smith looking down on
Asian Tour field with a 65

Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Welshman Craig Smith fired a sparkling seven-under-par 65 to lead the first round of the Iskandar Johor Open on Thursday but title holder Artemio Murakami of the Philippines was snapping at his heels.
Smith, who stands at a towering six feet eight inches tall, produced seven birdies at Royal Johor Country Club to enjoy a rare view from atop the leaderboard at the US$500,000 Asian Tour event.
Murakami enjoyed a strong start to his defence, mixing six birdies against a lone bogey for a 67 to trail by two and was matched by New Zealand’s Mahal Pearce and Australian duo Rick Kulacz, the recent Brunei Open champion, and Mitchell Brown.
Sweden’s Niclas Fasth, a former Ryder Cup player, launched his campaign with a bogey-free 68 for tied sixth place alongside Australian Kane Webber while South African star Retief Goosen carded a 72 in what is the second Iskandar Johor Open.
Smith, 28, is reputed to be the tallest player on any international Tour but his form hasn’t been as lofty as his soaring presence where he is presently languishing in 143rd place on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit.
However, a bogey-free card sprinkled with seven birdies launched him into pole position and put a smile firmly on his face. “It was nice. The course is a challenging one. You have to do the simple things right and all I was trying to do was not to make mistakes and play sensibly. I was able to capitalise on a few good putts,” said the 28-year-old Smith.
It was a welcome return to form for the Welshman as he has missed the cut in eight of 11 tournaments this season, including his last four events. With the year coming to a close, Smith realises he needs to start piling up the winnings to avoid a return trip to Qualifying School.
Nearly all of Smith’s birdies were from inside eight feet, thanks to some good wedge play while his longest putt was from 20-feet at the par three 16th hole. “I’ve struggled a bit this year. I’ve not been able to put it together. I’ve had a few weekends off (missed cuts) recently and I’ve been trying to change things with some hard work. Hopefully it’s coming off, we’ll see what happens,” he said.
Murakami was delighted with his flying start, highlighted by 25-foot birdie putts on the fifth and eighth holes. But the Filipino knows it’s still a long road ahead. “It’s just the first round, three more days to go,” he said.
“I wanted to give myself a chance to defend the title. I’m quite happy with this score but quite surprised to see seven under leading as the course is not playing easy. You can easily drop shots here.”
With straight driving being a premium at the tree-lined Royal Johor course, Murakami unfortunately is playing the Iskandar Johor Open with a new driver in the bag after his old-faithful snapped two weeks ago.
“This round will help with the confidence. I’m swinging it quite solid but I’m quite confused with my new driver. I broke my three-year-old driver recently and I’m trying to get a hang of the new one. I’m not swinging it with full confidence yet,” said Murakami.
A two-week break at home has refreshed Kulacz’s zest for the game. The talented Aussie, the world junior champion in 2001, secured his maiden Asian Tour triumph at the Brunei Open in August but started to play poorly after putting too much pressure on himself to perform.
Starting from the 10th, he eagled the 11th from 20 feet after an exquisite six iron approach and added three more birdies to stay in the hunt. “I think I put too much pressure on myself as I tried to win again after Brunei. The last couple of months have been a blur but I took two weeks off and saw my coach and relaxed a little bit,” said Kulacz.
Fasth, who has remodelled his swing under Dennis Pugh this year, showed the kind of form that made him a world’s top-20 player at the end of last season with a four-birdie round to lie within striking reach of the leader.
“I gave myself a lot of chances and didn’t miss many greens. I wish I had dropped in a few more putts but it was an overall very steady round,” said the Swede, a six-time winner in Europe.
Local amateur Haziq Hamizan and Iain Steel were the best Malaysian performers with a 70. Last year’s runner-up Antonio Lascuna of the Philippines, Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant and Panuwat Muenlek and Australian duo Scott Barr and Richard Moir all carded 69s.
FIRST-ROUND LEADERBOARD
65 - Craig Smith (WAL)
67 - Rick Kulacz (AUS), Mahal Pearce (NZL), Artemio Murakami (PHI), Mitchell Brown (AUS)
68 - Niclas Fasth (SWE), Kane Webber (AUS)
69 - Panuwat Muenlek (THA), Scott Barr (AUS), Richard Moir (AUS), Thaworn Wiratchant (THA), Antonio Lascuna (PHI)
70 - Iain Steel (MAS), Firoz Ali (IND), Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND), Haziq Hamizan (MAS - am), Henry Epstein (AUS), M. Murugiah (SIN), Martin Rominger (SUI), Josh Lane (AUS)
71 - M. Sasidaran (MAS), Lim Eng Seng (MAS), Simon Dunn (SCO), Anthony Kang (USA), Rahil Gangjee (IND), Jerome Delariarte (PHI), Shaifubari Muda (MAS), Gavin Flint (AUS), David Freeman (HKG), Andrew Dodt (AUS), Chong Chee Ming (MAS), Gavin Kyle (MAS - am), Chang Hong-wei (TPE), Thongchai Jaidee (THA), Ben Leong (MAS), Mardan Mamat (SIN), Airil Rizman (MAS), Anis Hassan (MAS), Ronnachai Jamnong (THA), Namchoak Tantipokakul (THA)

Edinburgh & East of Scotland Alliance at Royal Musselburgh

Lloyd Saltman (65) wins
Bootland Trophy at
Royal Musselburgh

By KEITH LIDDLE
Secretary, Edinburgh & East of Scotland Golfers' Alliance
Exactly 100 members had a fantastic day's golf at Royal Musselburgh this week.
John Henderson, his professional colleagues, the catering and bar staff, all did a magnificent job. They went out of their way to make sure we had a great time.
At this point, I must say a very big "thank you" indeed to the greens staff. Alliance members raved about the condition of the course, especially the greens, which were 'hand cut' first thing in the morning.
The overall winner of the Bootland Trophy was Lloyd Saltman (picture by Cal Carson Golf Agency) (Craigielaw) with a score of 65, five under par. Lloyd beat Liberton eight-handicapper Alan Young, who had a net 65, on the better back nine.
Lloyd's 65 included eight birdies (second, fifth, eighth, ninth, 10th, 11th, 13th and 16th) which more than cancelled out bogeys at the first, third and fourth.
In second equal place on the scratch list with four-under-par rounds of 66, were Mark Chaplin (Deer Park), who recorded six birdies, and Scott Grieve (Turnhouse) who had seven. Tom Buchanan (Duddingston) claimed fourth place on his own with a 67.
In the handicap section Alan Young had a net 65, playing off an eight handicap. Alan reached the turn in one-under-par 35, and managed to hang on in, on the back nine, after a couple of minor hiccups.
Glyn Stevens (King's Acre) was second with 66 and John Kerr (Deer Park), Wilson Morton (Dunbar) and Grant Skinner (Glencorse) were third equal with net 68s.
Shot of the day belonged to Robert Patrick (Glenbervie) who holed his six iron second shot at the 402yd eighth hole.
Next meeting is at The Roxburghe Hotel & Golf Course on November 12. At stake will be the Professional's Trophy.
BOOTLAND TROPHY SCRATCH SCOREBOARD
Par 70
65 Lloyd Saltman (Craigielaw) p.
66 Mark Chaplin (Deerk Park) (am), Scott Grieve (Turnhouse) p.
67 Tom Buchanan (Duddingston) p.
68 Andrew Oldcorn (King's Acre) p, David Patrick (Elie) trainee.
69 Kenneth Glen (Royal Musselburgh) trainee, Elliot Saltman (Craigielaw) p.
70 Graeme Brown (Dalmahoy) p, Ewan Hogarth (Peebles) traineer, Mark Kerr (Bathgate) traineee, Zack Saltman (Craigielaw) (am).
71 Neil Colquhoun (Merchants of Edinburgh) p, Neil Fenwick (Dunbar) trainee, Derek Fish (Glenbervie) (am), Colin Fraser (Peebles) (am), John Kerr (Deer Park) (am), Stevie Lamb (Broomieknowe) trainee.
72 Ian A Fraser (Duddingston) (am), Gordon Law (Uphall) p, Andrew Marshall (Houston GR) p, Grant Skinner (Glencorse) (am), Mike Thomson (Torwoodlee) p.
73 Ross Ewen (West Lothian) trainee, Wilson Morton (Dunbar) (am), Callum Smith (Royal Musselburgh) p, George Wither (Lothianburn) (am), Alan Young (Liberton) (am).
74 Scott Catlin (Greenburn) p, Arthur Harper (Dunfermline) senior, Terry Mathieson (King's Acre) trainee, Andrew Rothney (Deer Park) (am), Andrew Wight (Glencorse) senior.

Tour School qualifier going back
to Dundonald Links for 3 years

Dundonald Links is to be used as one of the venues for the First Qualifying Stage of the European Tour Qualifying School for the next three years.
The renowned Ayrshire links, which is the sister course of Loch Lomond, became the first Scottish course to be used as a venue for a European Tour Qualifying School event when it hosted one of the six Stage 1 qualifying tournaments this summer and now the deal has been extended through 2009, 2010 and 2011.
Next year’s event will be played on September 15-18, 2008.
“We are delighted to extend the agreement which saw us host a Stage 1 event for the first time this September and are confident we can build on its success,” said John Caven, the Director of Operations at both Loch Lomond and Dundonald Links.
“This year we weren’t blessed with great weather, but we did receive lot of positive feedback from competitors and feel sure our continued involvement with the Tour School can only enhance the profile of the course.”
Mike Stewart, the European Tour’s Senior Tournament Director and Qualifying School Director, said: “This year, competitors faced some of the most testing conditions we have ever seen at a Qualifying School venue.
“The weather was brutal, however, the course provided a tough but fair challenge and that, coupled with the level of support we received from the team at Dundonald Links, meant it was a simple decision for us to return.
“We are delighted the Club has agreed to host the 1st Stage of the Qualifying School for the next three years.”
This year, a total of 31 golfers came through Stage 1 at Dundonald Links and qualified for the Second Qualifying Stage in Spain. The event was won by Scotland’s Euan Little who put together rounds of 74, 73, 70 and 67 for a four under par total of 284 and a one shot victory over England’s Craig Goodfellow. Six other Scots, Duncan Stewart, David Patrick, Mark Hillson, Chris Kelly, Mark Kerr and Scott Henry, also progressed to Spain.
Next year, Dundonald Links will host two prestigious international events, the other being the Duke of York Young Champions Trophy, to be played on September 8-10.
This will be the fourth year in-a-row that Dundonald Links has hosted what has developed into one of Europe’s most eminent junior events. England’s Sam Hutsby won the title back in 2006 and he was succeeded by Italy’s Claudio Vigano in 2007. This year, England’s, Stiggy Hodgson, winner of the 2008 Carris Trophy, led from start to finish to claim an eleven shot victory over French junior champion, Arnaud Abbas. The leading girl was Holland’s Marieke Nivard.
The Championship attracted 51 national junior champions from 28 different countries.
To book a tee time at Dundonald Links please call +44 (0)1294 314000
Email reservations@dundonaldlinks.com or visit www.dundonaldlinks.com

Kyron Sullivan wins Celtic Pro
Tour Championship

European Touring professional Kyron Sullivan (vale-hotel.com) lifted the Celtic Pro Tour Championship at the Old Course, Marriott St Pierre on Wednesday.
The win was the second on the Tour this year for the Barry-born 32-year-old, following his victory in the South Wales Open at Southerndown Golf Club in July.
A first round of three under par 68 on Monday set the tone for the week, and the score was never bettered.
A level-par round of 71 on day two was followed by a final round of 76 in freezing conditions, which was enough to land him the £2,000 first prize and Championship trophy.
Sullivan finished on two over par after the 54 holes, two strokes ahead of four players tied in second place - Llewellyn Matthews (Southerndown), Matthew Dearden (vale-hotel.com), Lee Corfield (Burnham & Berrow) and Glyn Bateman (Royal Eastbourne), who all finished on four over par for the tournament, each picking up cheques for £462.50, after sharing the 2nd to 5th placed prize money.
Ryan Thomas (Aberdare) was a further stroke behind in fifth place to win a £200 share of the purse, while Iwan Griffiths (Aberdare) won the voucher as top amateur in the field.
Adam Constable (Cardiff) who finished 9th at the Chepstow course, secured the Red Bull Celtic Pro Tour Order of Merit, after an impressive season of consistent finishes, including a win at the South West Wales Open at Pennard Golf Club in April.
For further information, full scores and results for the 2008 season, the third year of the tour, please visit www.celticpro.com

John Daly taken into custody by
police until he sobered up

Two-time major tournament winner John Daly was taken into custody last Sunday morning by police at Winston-Salem, North Carolina after he was found under the influence of drink at a restaurant.
Police said in a statement later that officers went to the restaurant on a medical call. When they arrived, Daly was being treated by emergency workers after losing consciousness.While at the restaurant, police said Daly “appeared extremely intoxicated and uncooperative,” refused repeatedly to be taken to the hospital and was asked to leave the restaurant by several workers.
Daly was taken to a local law enforcement detention centre for a 24-hour stay, until he was sober.
He was not charged with any offence.
Oh, the shame of it!

Ronnie Urquhart stepping down as
professional at McDonald Golf Club

Ronnie Urquhart, one of the longest-serving club professionals in Scotland, is to step down after 26 years' service to the McDonald Golf Club at Ellon in Aberdeenshire.
Ronnie, 49, had a heart attack four years ago and is to give up his day-to-day duties at the club. He will continue his association with golf in the North-east of Scotland through a part-time teaching role at Pine Lodge Golf Centre at Kemnay.
"It will be a blow to leave McDonald Golf Club where I learned my golf as a junior but it's time for me to look after my health," said Ronnie.
"Coaching has always been my first love. Watching youngsters getting on in the game has been a great source of pleasure to me."
McDonald Golf Club captain Jim O'Brien said: "We are very sorry to lose Ronnie, especially under the circumstances. He has been a great servant to the club."

NICK FALDO SERIES SCORES

For the second-round scores in the Nick Faldo Series Grand Final in Brazil, switch over to our sister website, www.kirkwoodgolf.co.uk

Anthony Kim takes out membership
of European Tour

News from America that Anthony Kim, 23, one of the rising stars of the United States PGA Tour, has taken out membership of the European Tour, adding his name to the list of about half-a-dozen US Tour players who have decided to open up their tournament options to both sides of the Atlantic.
Kim is ranked No 8 in the world, thanks to two US PGA Tour wins. He also made his Ryder Cup team debut for the winning United States team at Valhalla a few weeks ago.
Kim paid the $3,280 European Tour membership fee that makes him eligible for the season-ending $10 million "Race to Dubai" for the top 60 players and the additional $10 million bonus pool.
He is scheduled to play in the HSBC Champions tournament from November 6 to 9 in Shanghai.
Colombian Camilo Villegas, who won the final two playoff events in the FedEx Cup on the US PGA Tour, has also joined the European Tour. He played in the recent Castellon Masters won by Sergio Garcia.
Also expected to join are Phil Mickelson and former US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy from Australia.

Rettie and Finlay tie for victory in
Midland Alliance at Kirriemur

All Golf Swing professional Steve Rettie and +2 amateur George Finlay (Ballumbie Castle) tied for victory in this week's Midland Golfers' Alliance competition at a bright but cold Kirriemuir course in Angus.
They both matched the par of 68.
Harry Salmond (Tulliallan), playing off four, returned a net 67, the best of the day.
LEADING SCRATCH SCORES
68 S Rettie (All Golf Swing) p, G Finlay (Ballumbie Castle).
69 K Hutton (Downfield) p, S Mann (Carnoustie).
70 D McKay (Wellsgreen) p.
71 B Mason (Drumoig) p, L Vannet (Carnoustie Links) p, H Salmond (Tulliallan).
72 T McLevy (Blairgowrie), A J Webster (Edzell) p, G Jenkins (Crieff), R Robertson (Brechin).
73 S Harrod (Ballumbie Castle).
74 G McLeod (Monifieth) p, L Sutherland (Ballumbie Castle) p.
75 C Knowles (Murrayshall) ap, G Milne (Aberdour), B Gallaway (Carnoustie), K Salmoni (Muckhart) p.
LEADING HANDICAP SCORES
67 H Salmon (Tulliallan) (4).
68 G Jenkins (Crieff) (4), P Rhind (Grange) (8), R Robertson (Brechin) (4).
69 J Irwin (Muckhart) (8).
70 G Milne (Aberdour) (5), D Black (Dunfermline) (12), G Finlay (Ballumbie Castle) (+2).
71 G Gillespie (Crieff) (6), D Sievwright (Blairgowrie) (5), J Meddicks (Murrayshall) (8), B Bruce (Dunfermline) (6), W Crosbie (Blairgowrie) (5), C Westland (Alloa) (9), S Mann (Carnoustie) (+2).

Qualifiers for the JTC Kitchens, Midland Golfer’s Alliance Championship in April at Pitlochry
S Mann (Carnoustie)
H Salmond (Tulliallan)
T McLevy (Blairgowrie)
G Jenkins (Crieff)
R Robertson (Brechin)

Next Week's Meeting
Wednesday 5th November,
Grant’s Promotions Pro Am
Fairmont Hotel, St. Andrews
Tee reserved: 8.30 – 12.15

Teenager David Law (68)

wins North-east

Alliance at Edzell

By COLIN FARQUHARSON

Scotland boy international David Law (Hazlehead) showed his class with a five-birdie round of three-under-par 68 to head a field of 104 at today’s North-east Alliance competition at Edzell Golf Club.
On a lovely sunny day, on a course in very good condition, 17-year-old Law, who plays off +2, birdied the third, eighth, ninth, 15th and 18th. Although he had nothing higher than a 4 on his card, David did have a couple of late bogeys, at the 14th and 17th , in halves of 33 (three under par) and 35 (level).

When I asked the youngster what parts of his game had functioned well for him to score as low as a 68. "Everything!" was the reply, accompanied with a big smile.

Law, pictured above by Cal Carson Golf Agency, was an Alliance competition winner last year.

It is refreshing to have talented youngsters on the North-east Alliance circuit and another one,

Scotland youth cap Philip McLean from Peterhead, had an eagle 3 at the 518yd 18th but even with that grandstand finish he came up one short of catching Law.
Philip had birdies at the first and 14th and bogeys at the sixth and 17th in halves of 36 and 33.
Joint second with McLean on the 69 mark were Craig Stephen (Meldrum House) who had five birdies, including a 2-4 finish, and last man in, Brian Nicholson (Auchmill) who, like David Law, had nothing higher than a 4 on his scorecard.
Stonehaven Golf Club captain and retired P&J Editor Harry Roulston, who plays off five, finished joint fifth on 73 with Newburgh professional Ian Bratton and Golf Monthly writer Fergus Bisset (Banchory) on the 73 mark.

Harry was the leading senior, a shot ahead of Bill Urquhart (Murcar Links).

Curtis Cup player and Scottish women’s champion Michele Thomson (McDonald Ellon) made her debut in the Alliance with a 76 which included birdies at the fourth and 17th
The last female player on the NE Alliance circuit was Elaine Wilson, who was an assistant professional at Banchory and later Blairgowrie.

In a "Bunkered" magazine interview with Elspeth Burnside, Michele says she is going to enter the Ladies European Tour School at La Manga in January. What better way to keep her game in good nick than to play on the North-east Alliance circuit until then - and maybe after January?

Once again Banchory Golf Club provided the most participants at the meeting, a point brought to my notice by Banchory club professional David Naylor who was pleased to finish ahead of his assistant, Stewart Davidson.

As NE Alliance secretary Ron Menzies said: "Once upon a time Murcar Links players were in the majority. Then it was Newmachar. Now it's Banchory."

If you can think of a reason why this is so, E-mail your opinion to Colin@scottishgolfview.com

A reminder, incidentally, that weather conditions will be the deciding factor as to whether caddie cars are allowed at next Wednesday's Alliance competition at Deeside. So, be prepared to carry your bag, unless you can somebody to carry it for you!

Players who have their names down for the early times at Deeside should arrive early. Barring the advent of frost, they should be able to get off the first tee ahead of schedule. Ron Menzies was able to get the early starters off 15 minutes early at Edzell today and it made all the difference at the end of the day when it got dark round about 4.40pm. Next Wednesday, the sunset will be 15 minutes earlier.
Leading scratch
Par 71
68 D Law (Hazlehead).
69 P McLean (Peterhead), C Stephen (Meldrum House), B Nicolson (Auchmill)..
73 I Bratton (Newburgh), H Roulston (Stonehaven), F Bisset (Banchory).
74 W S Urquhart (Murcar Links).
75 J Mooney (Turriff), R Cameron (McDonald Ellon), G Bruce (Westhill).
76 C Nelson (Mackenzie Club), S Finnie (Caledonian), Michele Thomson (McDonald Ellon), I Buchan (Craibstone), J Morris (Craibstone).
77 I Craik (Portlethen), L Taylor (Auchmill), S Pert (Huntly).
78 P Farnan (Royal Aberdeen), J Duncan (Newburgh), D Corkey (Murcar Links), A Graham (Portlethen), D Macandrew (Royal Aberdeen).
79 G Mitchell (Braemar), D Naylor (Banchory), C Law (Hazlehead), K Beveridge (Aboyne).
80 A Campbell (Deeside), M Jenkins (Duff House Royal).
81 F G Gray (Newmachar), G H Paterson (Northern), D Leighton (Northern).

82 H McNaughton (Cruden Bay), J Murray (Banchory), S Davidson (Banchory).

83 P Cornfield (Auchmill), C Brindley (Banchory), C Hood (Alford), R Black (Banchory), I D Smith (Hazlehead), C Alexander (Murcar Links).

84 C Buchanan (Hazlehead), M Ord (Royal Aberdeen), D Wilson (Duff House Royal).

Leading handicap
Class 1 – B Nicolson (Auchmill) (2) 67; H Roulston (Stonehaven) (5) 68; D Law (Hazlehead) (+2), C Stephen (Meldum House) (+1) 70; P McLean (Peterhead) (+2), F Bisset (Banchory) (2), J Morris (Craibstone) (5) 71; P Farnan (Royal Aberdeen) (6), A Graham (Portlethen) (6) 72; W S Urquhart (Murcar Links) (1), L Taylor (Auchmill) (4), J Duncan (Newburgh) (5) 73; G Mitchell (Braemar) (5) 74.
Class 2 – H McNaughton (Cruden Bay) (11), P Cornfield (Auchmill) (12) 71; C Brindley (Banchory) (11), M Ord (Royal Aberdeen) (12) 72; M Booth (Kemnay) (12) , H Lumsden (Northern) (18) 73; D Randall (Banchory) (15) 74; J Scott (Peterculter) (11), D Wood (Newburgh) (12) 75; K Minty (Turriff) (9), G Kelly (Peterculter) (14) 76; J Forrest (Northern) (9). S Kennedy (Craibstone) (12) 77.

ABOYNE SCORECARD
OUT: 4-4-4-4-4-3-4-4-5—36. IN: 4-4-4-4-3-4-4-3-5--35

DAVID LAW 68
OUT: 4-4-3-4-4-3-4-3-4—33. IN: 4-4-4-4-4-3-4-4-4—35

PHILIP McLEAN 69
OUT: 3-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-5-36. IN: 4-4-4-4-2-4-4-4-3-33.

CRAIG STEPHEN 69
OUT: 3-5-3-4-4-4-4-4-4—35. IN: 4-4-4-4-3-4-5-2-4--34

BRIAN NICOLSON 69

OUT: 4-3-4-4-4-4-4-3-4--34. IN: 4-4-3-4-4-4-4-4-4--35

Stephen Browne says enough is enough:
He's going back to being a banker

One-time European individual amateur champion, Irishman Stephen Browne has decided he has played his last tournament as a professional. He is to return to his original career in banking and will be seeking reinstatement as an amateur golfer.
Browne, who is 35, won twice on the European Challenge Tour after turning pro in 2002.
This year, he won just 15,150 Euros in 20 tournaments on the Challenge Tour, bringing his prize money for the past seven seasons to €303,071. He held a full European Tour card in 2005 and 2006.
The fact that Browne and his wife Elaine are expecting their first child also played a big part in his decision to walk away from pro golf.

Fergal Rafferty makes it a double

whammy for Sam Houston

State University

Fergal Rafferty from Carrickmore, Omagh in Northern Ireland - a student at Sam Houston State University - won the UTSA Invitational college tournament at The Club at Comanche Trace, Kerrville in Texas today (Tuesday).
Over a long course of some 7,276yd, with a par of 72, Fergal, pictured above, scored 74, 71 and 75 for a four-over-par total of 220. He won by two shots from Devin Carrey (Louisiana-LaFayette) who scored 75, 74 and 72.
Graham Benson from Leighton Buzzard, a student at Southeastern Louisiana, came joint 15th in a field of 71 players with ever-improving scores of 81, 78 and 69 for 228th. He jumped 20 places with his outstanding last round, the best of the day.
Team-mate Aaron O'Callaghan from Cork just missed a top-20 finish. He tied for 21st place on 231 with scores of 78, 78 and 74.
Sam Houston State scored a double whammy by taking the team title as well as the individual honours. They totalled 904, three shots ahead of Louisiana-LaFayette in a field of 13 teams.
Southeastern Louisiana came seventh with 915.

Des Smyth to switch focus from US
to European Seniors Tour

FROM THE IRISH INDEPENDENT WEBSITE
By KARL McGINTY
Des Smyth has signed off on a six-year career on the United States Champions (Seniors) Tour which yielded two tournament victories and a whopping $4.4m, made him many new friends and even saved his life.
Fittingly, Smyth's American adventure came to an end in San Antonio on Sunday where he finished in a tie for 60th at the AT&T Championship.
During tournament week in the Texas city three years ago, Smyth decided to fill in some spare time by taking up the offer of a full medical check at the local hospital, and doctors discovered a life-threatening problem with his coronary arteries.
They operated the following day to correct it and Smyth walked away saying: "I feel I'm the luckiest man on earth."
Yet having lost his American Seniors Tour card in 78th place on the money list at the end of a frustrating season, the Drogheda man has decided his future now lies on the European Seniors Tour.
"It's been great but it's also been a tough six years," he said. "When I started, I was full of buzz and I did play awfully well for five years.
"I struggled at the end of last year and knew things were starting to drift on me and I never got it back," Smyth added. "This has been a disappointing year.
"I've lost my edge. I think I just ran out of steam with all the travelling -- eight trips over and back each season, that's 16 times across the Atlantic every year.
"I came over to the States to do three or four years and had five good years and one bad one; winning those two tournaments (in 2005) was a thrill and (my wife) Vicki and I have made new friends.
"The players are great over here, especially guys like myself who have been through the mill on tour and got a second chance," explained Smyth, who plans to make an occasional foray back to the US next year.
Yet his attention will now be focussed on the European seniors circuit and he tees it up in their season-ending Oki-Castellon Tour Championship in Valencia next week.

Andrew Wallace in action in Brazil on his way to a five-under-par 67 in the opening round of the Nick Faldo Series Grand Final (image by Zeca Resendes).

BRAVEHEART WALLACE IS

THE BOY IN BRAZIL

Glenbervie’s Andrew Wallace spreadeagled the field in the first round of the Nick Faldo Series Grand Final in Brazil today with a brilliant effort of five-under-par 67 at the Cosa do Sauipe Golf Resort.
Wallace, who lives in Falkirk, never looked back after starting with a birdie. He added five more birdies, including one at the 18th, a perfect finish to a near-perfect round.
With only one bogey on his card, the 19-year-old Scot finished the day five shots clear of three English players on level-par 72 - Andrew Palmer (Chorley) and Steven Brown (Wentworth), joint second behind Wallace in the Under 21 category) and Anglo-Scot Alasdair Dalgliesh, the boys’ Under-18 age group leader.
Wallace commented: “I drove the ball really well and missed only one fairway. I stayed focussed and ignored the heat. It’s completely different playing in Brazil but it’s a brilliant experience. Now I just hope to keep it going and stay five shots ahead for the whole week.”
Other age-group leaders after round one of the 54-hole Grand Final include Rhys Pugh of Wales (boys Under-15) on 73, Brazil’s Rafael Becker (boys’ Under-17) on 76 and Koray Varli from Turkey (boys’ Under-16), also on 76.
Turkey’s Elcin Ulu leads the girls’ Under-18 category with a five-over-par 77, one ahead of the English women’s champion Hannah Barwood from Knowle.

SCOREBOARD TO FOLLOW

Prizewinning group at the Donald Ross Invitational junior tournament at Royal Dornoch (image by courtesy of Robin Wilson).

Editor's Note:
Sorry for the long delay in bringing you the results from this tournament.

DONALD ROSS
INVITATIONAL

By ROBIN WILSON
After holding a second equal place from his first round score, Niall Campbell, 16-year-old son of club captain, Jim Campbell, became only the second local winner of the Donald Ross Junior Invitational tournament, now in its eighth year, at Royal Dornoch.
After two rounds, one each on the Struie and championship courses, to his first round net 65, off 10 of a handicap, Campbell was the only local boy in contention to hold his game together on the championship course with another handicap bettering score of net 70 for 135.
Campbell won by three shots over Rudi Taylor (Fraserburgh) who in turn was a stroke ahead of Cameron Dixon (Hopeman).
William Short, first-round leader with a net 64, crashed to a net 78 in the second round and Cameron Sutherland, net 65 in the first round, slipped back to a net 79. Short had the consolation of winning the Provost's Cup for the best first round net score on the Struie course. Clubmate C Sutherland (7) 65 was runner-up in this category and S Hogg (Alness) (15) 66 placed third.
With a gross 69 Kyle Godsman (Hopeman) broke the par of 70 by one over the championship course to lead the scratch returns and in the girls' event Tara MacTaggart (Minto) topped the table by one with net 146 from Alexis Hutton (Falkirk Tryst).
Meanwhile Moray's Rodger Clarke shot a marvellous best of the tournament three under par 67 on the championship course, despite a triple bogey 7 from a lost ball on the final hole, to win the Dornoch Firth Trophy for the best individual round, under handicap, over the Royal Dornoch championship course. J Wright (Forres) (2) 69) was second and F Platou (Norway) (5) 69 third in this category.

LEADING BOYS’ 36-HOLE SCRATCH TOTALS
141 Kyle Godsman (Hopeman) 72 69 (Royal Dornoch Trophy winner).
143 Ross Proctor (Forres) 70 73, Rodger Clarke (Moray) 75 68.
144 Calum Stewart (Brora) 73 71.
146 Lyle McAlpine (Invergordon).
147 Jeff Wright (Forres).

ALL THE BOYS’ 36-HOLE NET TOTALS
135 Niall Campbell (Royal Dornoch) (10) 65 70 (Donald Ross Trophy winner).
138 Rudi Taylor (Fraserburgh) (6) 68 70.
139 Cameron Dixon (Hopeman) (8) 68 71.
141 Ross Proctor (Forres) (1), Rodger Clarke (Moray) (1) 69 72.
142 William Short (Royal Dornoch) (12), Jordan Milne (Elgin) (5), Calum Stewart (Brora) (1).
147 Jeff Wright (Forres) (2), Kyle Godsman (Hopeman) (1).
144 Cameron Sutherland (Royal Dornoch) (7), Liam Hogg (Alness) (11), Lyle McAlpine (Invergordon) (1).
145 David Rumbles (Garmouth & Kingston) (12), Martin Bell (Muir of Ord) (5), Filip Platou (Norway) (5).
146 Peter Ramsay (Elgin) (2).
147 Andrew Young (Turnhouse) (11).
148 Callum Cromar (Lumphanan) (4), Keiran Mackay (Loch Ness) (18), Cameron Nelson
(Nairn) (5).
149 Freddie Brown (Nairn Dunbar) (5), Michael Manson (Fortrose & Rosemarkie) (5).
150 Daniel McConnachie (Crichton) (4), Iain Stewart (Brora) (18), Lewis Reid (Fortrose & Rosemarkie) (4).
151 Scott Noble (West Linton) (11), Andrew Young (Garmouth & Kingston) (13).
152 Zack Barlow (Clydebank & Dist), Rosmundur Orn Johannsson (Iceland), Peter Sangster (Thurso) (6).
153 Christian MacLeod (Nairn Dunbar) (4), Ruaridh Robertson (St Andrews New) (8).
154 Gustav Kristensen (Muir of Ord) (14), David Bremner (Invergordon) (11), Ross Munro (Liberton) (7), Jordan Shaw (Kingussie) (7), Martin Laing (Inverness) (5).
156 Shaun Hogg (Alness) (15), Scott Jeen (Milngavie) (13).
157 Greg Balfour (Douglas Park) (10).
158 James Cooke (Royal Dornoch) (17), Michael Russell (Newtonmore) (8), Luke Sutherland (Duff House Royal) (9).
150 Frazer Pomfret (Troon St Meddan) (11).
162 Callum Paterson (Dunblane New) (13), Jamie Boon (Forres)(6).
163 Neil Macleod (Royal Dornoch) (18).
165 Jake Scott (Buckpool) (5).
166 Philip Schnier-MacRae (Fortrose & Rosemarkie) (10).
167 Arnthor Hermannsson (Iceland) (8).
168 Alan Millar (Canmore) (11), Charlie Hudson (Tain) (14).

+For the Donald Ross Invitational girls' results, please log on to www.kirkwoodgolf.co.uk

Plan for new Royal Aberdeen

practice facilities would cut

Silverburn course to 9 holes

A plan to make ground available for an upgrade of Royal Aberdeen Golf Club’s practice facilities by reducing the club’s secondary Silverburn course from 18 to nine holes will be voted on at an extraordinary general meeting of the members in the New Year.
In a letter to the Royal Aberdeen members, club captain David Davidson states “It is not envisaged that this development, if approved, will be in place until the Walker Cup in 2011 is over.”
Mr Davidson writes:
“It has long been acknowledged that our practice ground is well below the standards of the remainder of the club’s facilities. Council believes that for a practice facility to be viable, it should be situated close to the clubhouse for security purposes and to enable it to be used easily for warming-up and tuition.
“A new practice ground should also possess sufficient width to allow several players to use it simultaneously and sufficient length to allow full shots to be played with all the clubs in the page. The reality is that we do not have sufficient ground available to create such a facility without losing some of the holes on the Silverburn.”
Improving the Balgownie practice facilities been on the agenda of successeive Royal Aberdeen councils for the best part of two decades. Reports on the subject were commissioned from golf course design company Donald Steel & Co in 1993 and again in 2003.
This year, another company, Martin Hawtree & Son, were asked by the club to report on whether it would be possible to construct an appropriate practice facility while retaining 18 holes on the Silverburn. The conclusion of the report was that it was not possible and that if the club wanted to create a modern and useful practice ground, the most logical location would be on the site of the second, third and fourth holes on the Silverburn.
Martin Hawtree’s proposals include:
1 A practice ground 300 metres in length, running from approximately the location of the fifth tee of the Silverburn course towards the present third green on the No 2 course.
2 A four-hole practice course on the ground currently occupied by the first, fifth and sixth holes over the Silverburn.
3 The retention of the short-game practice area.
4 A longer and much improved nine-hole Silverburn course.
5 A practice green and chipping area next to the Aberdeen Ladies clubhouse.
“These proposals,” writes Mr Davidson, “would also free up land capable of increasing the available car parking spaces, which is now becoming a problem at weekends when cars are now resorting to parking on the Silverburn.
“Council recognises that this is an emotive issue which will arouse strong feelings but they consider that, standing the terms of the Hawtree report against the background of the two Steel reports, it is appropriate to bring the proposal to the membership for consideration and ultimately a decision.”
+Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, founded in 1780 as the Society of Aberdeen Golfers, is the sixth oldest golf club in the world. It has no female members but the Aberdeen Ladies Golf Club clubhouse is close to the first tee of the Silverburn course. Aberdeen Ladies’ Silver Division players pay higher subscription fees than the Bronze Division because they are permitted to play over the Balgownie links while the female players with higher handicaps are restricted to the shorter, 4021yd par-64 Silverburn course.

North of Scotland Alliance

Sangster and
surprise packet
Gordon share
honours at
Golspie

By ROBIN WILSON
A better turn-out from Caithness raised the entry at last Sunday's North of Scotland Alliance competition to 50 at Golspie. Thurso's Jim Sangster, with two birdies and two bogeys for an inward half of 33 and a gross 74, became the fourth different scratch winner of the season.
The weather was typical Alliance, one minute bright and sunny the next a course white with hail, raising the scores and leaving Sangster and surprise package, Tarbat's James Gordon, sharing the scratch honours over a Golspie course that is improving with every visit.
Sangster, picture above by courtesy of Robin Wilson, and his partners were caught in the hail storm at the furthermost point from the clubhouse and a resulting double bogey on the ninth hole raised Sangster's outward card to 41 leaving only an inward nine holes to make amends.
The Thurso one-handicapper had to wait until the 13th to make a birdie which was then discarded three holes later and his birdie 2 on the penultimate hole was given back on the final hole for his inward level par 33 that, on the count back, beat Gordon's inward 35.
Nine-handicapper Gordon found himself an the unfamiliar position among the scratch leaders after his outward 39 but his final 74 for a net 65 topped the Class 1 handicap section by three from Tain's Andrew Watt. Watt had halves of 39 and 36 for 75.
Gordon's clubmate and playing partner, Hamish Skinner, with a net 69, was in third place behind Watt's net 68. With Watt installed in second scratch position, the Tarbat duo finished first and second handicap in Class 1.
At the previous Thurso fixture, scorecards in the Class 2 section from Reay's Davie Gray and Andy Mackay were not discovered until after the results were published.. Their net 71s have been added to the prize list so it was an extra careful Gray who made sure his net card of 70 was placed in the correct box at Golspie. Gray won by one from Tain's Ali Melville who in turn was two ahead of Lachie Ross (Durness). Ross edged third place ahead of Ian Ross (Reay) on a better inward half. Finally, Tarbat handicap winner, Brora's Peter Etheridge was in the prizes again this week but slipping back to fifth place.
The fixtures this week continue at Invergordon.

LEADING SCORES
Scratch
74 J Sangster (Thurso) , J Gordon (Tarbat).
75 A Watt (Tain).
76 M J Sangster (Tain), S Holmes (Tain).
77 H Skinner (Tarbat).
79 S R Sutherland (Bonar-Bridge), E MacKenzie (Thurso), A Gill (Brora).
80 B Ronald (Thurso).
Handicap
Class 1 - J Gordon (Tarbat) (9) 65; H Skinner (Tarbat) (8) 69; S Holmes (Tain) (5) 71; S R Sutherland (Bonar Bridge) (7) 72.
Class 2 – D Gray (Reay) (12) 70; A Melville (Tain) (12) 71; L Ross (Durness) (11), I Ross (Reay) (12) 73; P Etheridge (Brora) (12) 75.

Angus County's stars of tomorrow
The Angus county under-14s, under-16s and under-18s who took part in a Texas scramble over the Ashludie course at Monifieth.
The winning team with a score of 55 was Ally Bremner, Ross Munro, Danny Lawrence and Luke Ireland.
Also included in the photograph is Alex McKay, the under-14s manager, Alex Reid, under-16s & 18s manager, and also Bill Millar, president of the Angus county, is just visible peeping over from behind the back row.
You can enlarge the image by clicking on it.

US Champions Tour Scoreboard
AT&T CHAMPIONSHIP
FINAL TOTALS
Par 213 (3 x 71)
197 John Cook 69 63 65
200 Keith Fergus 65 70 65
201 John Morse 68 70 63, Jay Haas 67 68 66
202 Bruce Fleisher 68 65 69, Jeff Sluman 67 64 71, Mark James (Eng) 63 69 70
204 Joey Sindelar 72 69 63, Gene Jones 66 69 69, Dan Forsman 64 69 71, Scott Simpson 69 67 68
205 Bruce Vaughan 67 70 68, Mike Reid 69 69 67, Lonnie Nielsen 69 68 68, Tom McKnight 69 69 67
206 Fulton Allem (Rsa) 69 69 68, D A Weibring 72 67 67, Tom Jenkins 68 69 69, Mark McNulty (Irl) 68 69 69
207 Gary Hallberg 73 64 70, Andy Bean 68 69 70, Mike Goodes 70 67 70, Vicente Fernandez (Arg) 70 69 68, Tom Purtzer 67 66 74, Jim Thorpe 70 63 74, Hale Irwin 72 67 68, Larry Nelson 68 70 69, David Eger 69 69 69, Larry Mize 68 67 72
208 Gil Morgan 67 73 68, Chip Beck 72 70 66, Loren Roberts 68 68 72, Scott Hoch 70 69 69, Bob Gilder 74 68 66, Dave Stockton 66 70 72
209 Denis Watson (Zim) 69 73 67, Tom Kite 69 66 74, Craig Stadler 67 73 69, Donnie Hammond 71 70 68, Fred Funk 71 70 68, Morris Hatalsky 70 69 70
210 Phil Blackmar 69 76 65, Jeff Klein 70 72 68, Ronnie Black 74 68 68
211 Bobby Wadkins 73 67 71
212 Bruce Lietzke 70 70 72, Hubert Green 71 73 68, Walter Hall 66 74 72, Don Pooley 73 72 67
213 Kirk Hanefeld 71 73 69, John Harris 71 73 69, Wayne Levi 70 68 75
214 R.W. Eaks 70 71 73, Joe Ozaki (Jpn) 72 74 68, Dave Eichelberger 71 70 73
215 Mike McCullough 74 68 73, Ken Green 71 69 75, Ben Crenshaw 72 69 74, Dan Pohl 75 70 70
217 Des Smyth (Irl) 72 73 72
218 Ray Floyd 72 70 76, Hal Sutton 76 74 68, Tim Simpson 72 74 72
220 Bob Murphy 77 72 71, Mark O'Meara 73 74 73, John Jacobs 72 79 69, Blaine McCallister 76 74 70
221 Sandy Lyle (Sco) 70 75 76
222 Fuzzy Zoeller 73 73 76, Jim Dent 72 76 74
224 Mark McCumber 77 76 71
233 Jim Colbert 76 83 74
235 Jim Albus 82 82 71
236 Bill Rogers 79 78 79

Aberdonian Michael Sim

earns $150,625 for jt 7th

finish in Arizona

The injury-hit pro golf career of Aberdeen-born Michael Sim on the US PGA Tour is up and running again, even though it is very likely he will have to go back to Tour School later this year.
Michael, in only his sixth US Tour event of the season, finished joint seventh in the Frys.com Open at Grayhawk Golf Club, Scottsdale, Arizona. Although a winner on the US Nationwide Tour in 2006, this was Sim's highest-ever finish on the US Tour.
Sim, who emigrated with his parents from Aberdeen to Perth, Western Australia in the early 1990s when he was seven years old and later became the world No 1 ranked amateur, suffered a stress fracture in his lower back after gaining promotion from the US Nationwide Tour to the US PGA Tour.
Michael's Aberdonian father George, who still lives and works in Australia, commented:
"It is likely that Michael will go back to Tour School. The finish in Scottsdale was his highest ever and he qualifies to play in this week’s US PGA Tour event in Florida. It is disappointing that he has only played six events on the PGA Tour this year but the important thing is that he has fully recovered from his back problems."
At Scottsdale, Michael Sim had rounds of 72, 63, 68 and 64 for a 21-under-par total of 267
That earned him $150,625, giving him a season's total of $217,731 from his six outings, boosting him from 227th to 193rd in the money table.
Only the leading 125, with one or two exceptions, at the end of the season keep their playing privileges for the 2009 season and former Scottish youth champion Martin Laird from Glasgow is lying 128th with earnings this year of $775,855.
Laird collected $23,666 prize money from the Frys.com Open with rounds of 73, 66, 67 and 66 for 272 and joint 34th position. Had Martin been able to match Michael Sim's payday at this event, then Laird's worries would be over.
But imagine winning over a quarter-of-a-million dollars so far this season and not being guaranteed a player's card for 2009!

Cameron Beckman made a short par putt on the second play-off hole to outlast Kevin Sutherland and claim his first win on the US PGA Tour in seven years with victory at the Frys.com Open.The 38-year-old trailed three strokes behind overnight leader Sutherland at the start of the final round but closed with a seven-under-par 63 to finish on 18-under 262.
Sutherland was ahead by three when he made the turn but Beckman made his move on the back nine with birdies on the 10th, 11th, 14th, 15th and 16th.
Sutherland, who carded a closing 66, bogeyed the 16th to drop into a tie with Beckman and missed a birdie from nine feet on the 18th for the win.
Both players parred the first play-off hole with Sutherland missing from 13 feet for the win.
On the second play-off hole, Beckman hit his approach to six and a half feet and two-putted for the win as Sutherland needed four shots to make it on the green.
It was the second play-off loss of the season for Sutherland, who was beaten along with Sergio Garcia by Vijay Singh at The Barclays in August.
Mathew Goggin of Australia closed with a 63 to finish third at 17-under 263.
Defending champion Mike Weir also signed for a 63 to finish in a tie for fourth with JJ Henry and Arron Oberholser at 14 under.

FINAL TOTALS
Par 288 (4 x 72)
262 Cameron Beckman 69 66 64 63, Kevin Sutherland 67 66 63 66 (Beckman won play-off at second extra hole).
263 Mathew Goggin (Aus) 69 63 68 63
266 Arron Oberholser 65 64 71 66, J J Henry 65 69 68 64, Mike Weir (Can) 66 68 69 63
267 Michael Sim (Sco) 72 63 68 64, Pat Perez 71 66 67 63, Paul Goydos 70 62 66 69, Steve Allan (Aus) 67 63 68 69
268 Aaron Baddeley (Aus) 67 70 66 65, George McNeill 68 63 66 71, Davis Love III 69 67 67 65, Woody Austin 69 65 65 69, Brenden Pappas (Rsa) 69 69 64 66, Bob Tway 69 67 64 68
269 Sean O'Hair 68 65 69 67, Billy Mayfair 69 64 68 68, Steve Elkington (Aus) 66 67 68 68
270 Nick Watney 69 67 66 68, Charley Hoffman 70 65 69 66, Rodney Pampling (Aus) 70 68 65 67, Brad Elder 68 63 70 69, Robert Garrigus 66 66 71 67, Todd Hamilton 69 69 64 68, John Mallinger 63 69 66 72, Peter Lonard (Aus) 69 70 64 67, Bill Haas 66 68 68 68
271 Robert Gamez 67 69 69 66, Michael Letzig 69 66 68 68, Chris Stroud 65 71 67 68, Tim Clark (Rsa) 70 64 71 66, Rocco Mediate 68 69 66 68
272 Patrick Sheehan 72 64 68 68, John Merrick 74 65 67 66, Omar Uresti 67 70 66 69, Jeff Quinney 68 71 65 68, Mathias Gronberg (Swe) 65 68 72 67, Bubba Watson 69 66 70 67, Y. E Yang (Kor) 66 71 64 71, Martin Laird (Sco) 73 66 67 66, Douglas Labelle 63 72 69 68
273 Rory Sabbatini (Rsa) 72 67 68 66, Tim Herron 72 65 71 65, Steve Lowery 72 64 69 68, John Riegger 70 68 66 69, Tommy Gainey 68 68 66 71
274 Bob Estes 71 68 66 69, Ryan Palmer 73 66 69 66
275 Richard Johnson (Wal) 64 71 72 68, Charlie Wi (Kor) 68 70 67 70, Brett Quigley 71 67 68 69, Jim McGovern 67 70 71 67, Steve Flesch 69 70 67 69, Scott Verplank 69 70 67 69, Jonathan Byrd 71 67 67 70
276 Olin Browne 68 71 66 71, John Douma 70 69 65 72, James Driscoll 70 69 68 69, Kevin Streelman 68 67 67 74
277 Chad Collins 67 68 66 76, Todd Demsey 65 69 72 71, Mark Hensby (Aus) 69 66 70 72, Tom Pernice Jnr. 67 70 68 72
278 Chris Riley 67 67 73 71, Nick Flanagan (Aus) 71 67 69 71
279 Brian Davis (Eng) 72 63 71 73
280 Marco Dawson 65 71 69 75, Eric Axley 73 66 69 72, Shane Bertsch 69 69 70 72, Frank Lickliter II 69 67 70 74

Thomson and Stewart share honours at
Grantown on Spey Alliance meeting

Blustery, strong to gale-force winds challenged the competitors in the North Scottish Golf Alliance fixture at Grantown on Spey on Saturday with many failing to complete the course.
Top honours were shared between Kevin Thomson (Moray) and Duncan Stewart (Grantown) with one-under-par scores of 69.
A double bogey 5 at the short 16th cost Kevin the outright top place while Duncan completed his round with three birdies in the last four holes.
John Milne (Rothes), playing off eight, took top spot in the Handicap Class I section with an outstanding net 66, best of the day by three clear shots.
Stuart Taylor (Boat of Garten), playing off 11, carded a nett 71 to win Handicap Class 2 section.
LEADING SCRATCH
Par 70
69 K Thomson (Moray), D Stewart (Grantown on Spey) p.
71 C Campbell (Grantown on Spey) p, M. Macdonald (Fortrose & Rosemarkie).
72 S Wilson (Inverness), K Stables (Elgin) p.
73 D Hexley (Inverness).
74 J R Ingram (Boat of Garten), J C Milne (Rothes), R A Cameron (Inverness)
75 R Stewart (Grantown on Spey).
76 D Hector (Elgin), K. Godsman (Moray).
77 D F Sharp (Boat of Garten).
79 D R McKellar (Grantown on Spey), J A G Innes (Elgin).
LEADING HANDICAP
Class 1 (eight & under)
66 J C Milne (Rothes) (8).
69 J R Ingram (Boat of Garten) (5).
70 R Stewart (Grantown on Spey) (5), S Wilson (Inverness) (2).
71 D F Sharp (Boat of Garten) (6).
Class 2 (nine to 14).
71 S Taylor (Boat of Garten) (11).
72 R G Macpherson (Moray) (9).
73 T Loynes (Boat of Garten) (13).
74 J MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar) (14), D Macleod (Loch Ness) (13).

+The next NSGA fixture is at Nairn Dunbar on Saturday, November 8.

Sergio Garcia wins Castellon Masters
over his boyhood course

Sergio Garcia claimed his first European Tour win since 2005 when he triumphed at the Castellon Masters on the course he played as a boy.
The 28-year-old, hosting the inaugural event at the Club de Campo del Mediterraneo where his father is still the host professional, closed with a four-under-par 67 to finish three shots ahead of Sweden's Peter Hedblom, who signed for a 66.
Having taken a four-shot lead into the final round after scores of 66, 65 and 66, Garcia held off the strong charge of Hedblom, the only player who threatened to spoil the fairytale story when he opened his round with four successive birdies.
But Hedblom never got ahead of Garcia, who used his knowledge of every nook and cranny of the course to complete a memorable victory and move to third in the world rankings.
The other players who were tied for second in Garcia's shadow overnight, including Englishmen David Lynn and Simon Dyson, failed to close the gap and ultimately tied for fourth after rounds of 69.
There was drama as two players battled for 118th place on the Order of Merit which meant retaining their card for next season.
With 118th-placed Patrick Sjoland failing to make the cut, Garry Houston needed just under 11,000 euros to keep his card but finishing two under overall left him short.
Francois Delamontagne was eventually the lucky man, scraping in by about 300 euros despite carding a three-over 74.
FINAL TOTALS
Par 284 (4 x 71)
264 Sergio Garcia (Spa) 66 65 66 67 (333,330 Euros).
267 Peter Hedblom (Swe) 68 65 68 66 (222,220 Euros).
269 Alexander Noren (Swe) 68 68 68 65
270 Soren Kjeldsen (Den) 64 67 70 69, David Lynn 67 66 68 69, Simon Dyson 66 67 68 69
271 Peter Hanson (Swe) 65 73 67 66, Richard Finch 65 66 71 69
272 Mikael Lundberg (Swe) 67 68 68 69, Paul Casey 69 67 69 67, Rory McIlroy 68 67 69 68, Stephen Gallacher 67 70 65 70 (39,000 Euros each).
273 Jeev Milkha Singh (Ind) 71 66 69 67, Alvaro Quiros (Spa) 67 66 76 64
274 Jose-Maria Olazabal (Spa) 66 72 67 69, Alvaro Velasco (Spa) 66 71 69 68, Ignacio Garrido (Spa) 65 70 69 70, Angel Cabrera (Arg) 65 72 69 68, Sam Little 72 69 66 67
275 Jarmo Sandelin (Swe) 69 67 67 72, Phillip Archer 67 68 70 70, Maarten Lafeber (Ned) 70 66 69 70, Thomas Levet (Fra) 66 68 73 68
276 Felipe Aguilar (Chi) 71 67 68 70, Jesus Maria Arruti (Spa) 70 68 67 71, Gary Orr 70 67 69 70, Thomas Bjorn (Den) 69 68 68 71, Camilo Villegas (Col) 70 66 71 69 (20,200 Euros each).
277 Jose-Filipe Lima (Por) 70 70 67 70, Francesco Molinari (Ita) 72 65 70 70, Chris Wood 68 72 69 68, Nick Dougherty 68 69 72 68, Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano (Spa) 69 68 68 72
278 Martin Erlandsson (Swe) 71 69 67 71, Justin Rose 67 70 70 71, Jean Van de velde (Fra) 68 70 68 72, John Bickerton 66 70 73 69, Mark Foster 72 70 68 68, Bradley Dredge 71 68 68 71
279 Christian Cevaer (Fra) 72 68 69 70, David Griffiths 67 71 70 71, Paul Lawrie 71 70 71 67, Alastair Forsyth 68 70 73 68, Markus Brier (Aut) 74 67 76 62, Stuart Manley 69 68 73 69, Ross McGowan 72 69 70 68 (11,800 Euros each).
280 Anthony Wall 71 69 67 73, Francois Delamontagne (Fra) 66 67 73 74, Richard Sterne (Rsa) 71 69 71 69, Barry Lane 71 69 72 68
281 Pedro Linhart (Spa) 68 72 70 71, Gregory Bourdy (Fra) 68 70 67 76, Pablo Larrazabal (Spa) 71 68 71 71
282 Magnus A Carlsson (Swe) 71 68 70 73, Garry Houston 67 71 71 73, Jean-Francois Remesy (Fra) 73 69 71 69, Ricardo Gonzalez (Arg) 67 71 73 71
283 David Howell 69 73 72 69, Benn Barham 68 72 75 68, Fredrik Andersson Hed (Swe) 69 73 71 70, Simon Wakefield 72 68 73 70, Johan Edfors (Swe) 70 71 72 70
285 Lee Slattery 71 71 69 74, Shiv Kapur (Ind) 72 70 73 70
287 Peter O'Malley (Aus) 72 70 75 70
293 Pelle Edberg (Swe) 70 72 74 77