Euan proves to be golden oldie at Blairgowrie

THE oldest swinger in town can still hit the high notes.

At the age of 49, Euan McIntosh put on a terrific show to win the Scottish Amateur Championship over the Rosemount course at Blairgowrie, writes Nick Rodger.

The Glasgow- born golfer, who had a stint in the professional ranks, became the oldest player to win the national title since Charlie Green in 1983 with a 3& 2 win over Ranfurly teenager Jamie Stewart.

There may have been a 31- year age gap, but McIntosh, the Scottish amateur order of merit winner in 2016, drew on all his experience, as well as a fine chipping and putting display, to claim the title.

Some pearls of wisdom from his coach, Ian Rae, also aided his assault over six days of competition in Perthshire.

“I tell you this right now, I would not have won my second- round match had I not spoken to Ian,” he said. “He gave me a tip that transformed the way I play matchplay, because I haven’t performed well in matchplay since 2016.

“He basically told me to stop focusing on what my opponent was doing and to ask myself, ‘ What am I going to do?’

“And that is what I did over every shot from then on. It feels amazing and it hasn’t sunk in yet. To win this championship at 49 is great.”

One- up after the first 18 holes – the duo traded eagles on the 11th as they went toe- totoe – McIntosh doubled his lead on the first hole of the afternoon only for Stewart to hit back with a brace of birdies.

McIntosh upped the ante with birdies at the ninth, 10th and 14th to move to the brink of glory. His win was confirmed when Stewart three- putted for a bogey on the 16th.