Gregor nicks title in play-off hole finish
Memorial tournament for Barrie a success
Home favourite Gregor Graham picked up the Blackadders-sponsored Barrie Douglas Scottish Junior Masters U16 title after a thrilling final round at sun-kissed Blairgowrie Golf Club.
Cheered on by family and friends, the Blairgowrie High School S3 pupil – still just 14 – was taken to an extra hole by Nairn’s Calum Scott before securing the title with a fine birdie putt. Both players had finished on level par 216 after the three-round competition.
“I was really nervous going down the play-off hole but I kept my nerve and did what I had to do,” said Gregor.
“It’s my best-ever victory and doing it at my home club with the family supporting me makes it even better.
“I met Barrie at the club a few times. He was a really nice guy so this is a special win.”
European Tour star Bradley Neil was present to watch Gregor take the trophy. He is sponsored on tour by Perthshire company Graham Environmental, which is spearheaded by Gregor’s dad Stuart and uncle Ross.
“I’ve been a member here since I was eight,” said Gregor. From left, third placed Cormac Sharpe (Blairgowrie), winner Gregor Graham (Blairgowrie), Tish Douglas, runner-up Calum Scott (Nairn) and Scotland national boys coach Spencer Henderson
“Bradley has helped me with my game since I was six and it was great he was here to see my win.”
Bradley missed out on the weekend action at the Volvo China Open in Beijing and quickly set his sights on
attending the tournament being held in memory of Barrie Douglas, the long-time Scottish boys captain and R&A selector who died after taking ill while leading the national side at the European Team Championships in Spain last
year. Bradley said: “I flew in from China and came to Blair on Saturday after a quick shower and change. I wanted to be part of the event and it was a bonus to see Gregor doing so well on Sunday.
“Barrie did so much for me and my career. It’s great to see the first tournament held in his memory being so successful.
“I know how much work went into it. The feedback from players and parents has been fantastic.
“It seems like every junior in Scotland wants to be part of it so the tournament can only go from strength to strength.”
Gregor also captured the trophy for top U16 Perth and Kinross player, with Muckhart’s Andrew Thornton leading the local contingent in the U18 tournament.
The U18 event was won by Airdrie’s Greg Dalziel (17), to take him top of the Scottish Order of Merit.
He holed a stunning 45-foot eagle putt at an extra hole to beat Jack Broun (Ayr Belleisle) after both tied on 216. Taylor Kerr of Thornhill was third.
“This is one of the best tournaments. It was run so well and everyone was so relaxed,” he said.
“Lansdowne is tough off the tees but I’d love to come back, hopefully for the Scottish Amateur.
“It was great to be part of an event in memory of Barrie Douglas and to go down as the first winner.”