GREIG HUTCHEON REPEATS TARTAN TOUR DOUBLE WHAMMY

    GREIG HUTCHEON in action at the Northern Open
          Picture by Cal Carson Golf Agency
 
By COLIN FARQUHARSON
Colin@scottishgolfview.com
Winning the Tartan Tour Order of Merit and money table two years in a row says a lot for the consistency shown by Banchory's Greig Hutcheon who had his 40th birthday on
March 29.
And Greig really believes he has still to reach his peak!
He has won the Scottish PGA Order of Merit five times since 2006 and has been first or second in the money-winners' table for the past four seasons.
"I'm chuffed to bits winning the order of merit this year. Especially as it gives me a tee time for the Aberdeen Asset Scottish Open at Royal Aberdeen next year, an event which will be huge in the golfing calendar next year and nice to have it not far from home," said Greig.
"After a blether with Paul Lawrie I'm also understanding it will be an event graced with a lot more of the superstars as the dry Scottish summer led to extreme links golf conditions for the Open, which took many by surprise but not the likes of Mickelson and Stenson who prepared correctly by playing the week prior at Castle Stuart before Muirfield.
"I must thank Saltire Energy, Anderson Anderson and Brown and Thistle Windows for their support during this season. Also i must take this opportunity to thank all the companies , golf clubs and individuals who support the Tartan Tour throughout the season.
"We are very lucky in Scotland that the events allow many of us to keep playing the game we love while not holding a European Tour category. With the number of course records and great scoring we have had at Scottish events this past season, perhaps the Tartan Tour proves you don't necessarily have to be on Tour to keep your game in world class condition ... well, at least make cuts with the big boys."
Of course the season is by no means over for Hutch.
"I'm looking forward to heading to Turkey for the PGA playoffs in late November when Graham Fox, Chris Kelly and myself will compete for invites to European Tour and Challenge Tour events next season, including the flagship event, the BMW championship at Wentworth."
Hutcheon, who was introduced to golf as a boy by the late Banchory Golf Club pro, Douglas Smart, was once quoted as saying he felt he was not far off European Tour standard.
"I did make it to the European Tour twice when I was younger. Not having been a regular and never getting my world ranking inside the top 200 is disappointing.
"Nevertheless I have made 100 European Tour appearances and after a potentially career-finishing injury Grade 3 separation of my right shoulder in my prime, my success story is the fact that I made it back and am making cuts at the top level."