Spence Trophy leading prizewinners (left to right): Matthew McWilliam, Fraser Clarke, Paul Girvan of sponsors Kings Links Golf Centre, and Donald McAndrew (image by courtesy of Derek Johnstone).

Fraser Clarke wins Spence Trophy with ease

By DEREK JOHNSTONE
Leading qualifier Fraser Clarke (Westhill) strolled to victory in the Spence Trophy boys' tournament, sponsored by Kings Links Golf Centre, at the Kings’ Links today.
In the morning semi-final, he accounted for Newburgh’s Steven Sharp 4 and 3 and followed that with a convincing 5 and 4 victory in the final against Donald McAndrew (Royal Aberdeen).
Par figures at the first three holes in the afternoon final saw Fraser three up on the fourth tee. Donald reduced the deficit with a birdie at the fourth, but pars at the seventh and ninth saw Fraser four up at the turn.
A winning par for Fraser on the 10th was negated by a Donald birdie on the 11th. However, an impressive day’s golf was completed when Fraser birdied the difficult 14th for a deserved victory.
The third/fourth play-off was won by Matthew McWilliam who was never behind in beating Steven Sharp 3 and 1. The highlights of Matthew’s round were birdies at the fourth, eighth and 12th.
Details:
Semi-finals
Fraser Clarke (Westhill) bt Steven Sharp (Newburgh) 4 and 3.
Donald McAndrew (Royal Aberdeen) bt Matthew McWilliam (McDonald Ellon) 2 and 1.
Final
Clarke bt McAndrew 5 and 4.
Third/Fourth place play-off
McWilliam bt Sharp 3 and 1.