Kings of the Castle at big county event
Perth and Kinross County Golf Union’s season-ending finale showed off the region’s rising stars.
The Race to the Castle series swung into life at the start of April and concluded on Sunday afternoon with a memorable day of action.
The prestigious Castle Course, designed by Auchterarder raised architect David McLay Kidd, was the venue for the much-anticipated finals event.
And taking home the overall scratch prize was Muckhart Golf Club member Lewis Seath, while Harvey Allan was overall stableford winner.
In the under-14 section, Blairgowrie’s Connor Graham was crowned scratch champion and Andrew Wilkie triumphed in the stableford category.
Perth and Kinross County Golf secretary Alan Cargill hailed the top class play on show during what was a special occasion for the local youngsters.
“To get the chance to play on a course like this is a real thrill and is a bucket list for some,” said Cargill. “It was a very windy, challenging day.
“But the sun was out and the course was in fantastic condition. We were very well looked after by all of the staff. The starter on the day stood on the first tee and was amazed at the standard of the tee-shots.
“Every one of the players impressed and the staff at the course even came and complimented us on how well everyone behaved. That’s a big thing for us because it’s not just about sporting talent, it’s about doing everything in the right way.”
Boys and girls were invited to enter junior opens being held at clubs across the region this year, with Ladybank added to the fixture list.
Series points were awarded for the top five scratch and top five handicap places at each open.
And the top eight points scorers overall and top four 14-and-under players, scratch and handicap, progressed to the finals day at the Home of Golf.
“We’ve had Kingsbarns and the Dukes courses previously, now the Castle for the next three years,” Cargill continued.
“That is something the kids can look forward to and it really gives them some determination to score some points and improve.
“That is what we see, the development and improvement. We know the formula works in terms of progression of the youngsters.
“We had 18 junior opens and had healthy entries, particularly from the younger players which is good for us moving forward.
“The kids really enjoy playing on the different courses and also trying to get points for qualification.”
A number of players who have previously been involved in the event moved on to represent Scotland at youth level.
And Cargill hopes the series continues to go from strength to strength in years to come.
He said: “A number of players progressed through from playing in this event to represent their country.
“We’ve got sponsorship through Graham Environmental Services, which is important and helps attract places like the Castle Course.
“Planning is pretty much done for 2020. We’re sitting putting the final touches to the fixtures for next year. The date is already in the diary for the final event, which will be the last Sunday of the October school holidays.”