The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Scots move into contention
BOYS STROKEPLAY: Icelander shares lead as home players close in
Iceland’s Ingvar Magnusson remains the surprise leader of the Scottish Boys Strokeplay at but the main Scottish challengers are gathering for an assault in today’s final 36 holes on the Monifieth Medal course.
The 16-year-old from Reykjavik was joined at level par after 36 holes by Old Ranfurly’s Jamie Stewart, whose double bogey six on the 17th cost him the outright lead going into the final two rounds.
Two other premier home contenders, Darren Howie and Eric McIntosh, came into close touch.
John Paterson (New Club), Liam Currid (Bathgate) and Callum Bruce (Duff House Royal) are all in the top seven places, lying four shots or less off the lead.
The three Scottish boys caps moved into position yesterday all with under par rounds in slightly more benign conditions, although still tricky enough to give some fits – after lying second placed overnight, Magnusson’s compatriot Daniel Isak Steinarsson started with an 8 and a 7 in his first four holes.
No such issues for Howie, brother of Scotland cap and former boys matchplay champion Craig, who drove the first green, two putted for birdie and simply played mistake-free golf after that.
“It’s still tricky with the wind coming back and the key was really good drives on both 13 and 17, which are the toughest holes on the back nine,” said the 17-year-old from Peebles. “It makes such a difference to be coming in there for 130 yards than 220.”
Howie, who won the last Scottish Golf Junior tournament at Forrester Park prior to the championship, admits that “a little bit of sibling rivalry” with his brother keeps things interesting.
“We’ve actually only played a couple of tournaments together, because there’s a five-year age gap,” he said. “And we’re really supportive of each other, Craig has been driving me up to this every day.
“But we’re competitive too. Whatever he does I want to do and I want to do it better.”
Howie won’t follow his brother to Stirling University though, planning to play full-time golf until such time he feels he’s ready for the professional ranks.
“I’ve left school and had enough of learning,” he said.
“I spent most of my study leave for Highers practising my golf. I still did OK in them, though!”
McIntosh is aiming for a matchplay/ strokeplay boys double having won the matchplay title at Murcar last year, and he certainly has higher educational plans.
The 18-year-old from Bruntsfield Links, who has stretched and filled out since his victory a year ago, has already agreed to go to the prestigious Northwestern University in Chicago, the former college of Luke Donald, where fellow Edinburgh native, former British Boys champion and Walker Cup player David Inglis is now head coach.
“It’s a great opportunity for me, because as well as golf it’s an academically strong university,” said McIntosh, who plans to study business.
Yesterday he stated his intentions early with three straight birdies to start his second round and although the chances dried up after that, a one-under 70 brought him right into contention.
“I’ve had a good winter with the Scotland squads in Florida and in South Africa, and I feel I’m a much better allround player than I was a year ago.
“I’d like to have a go at defending the Boys Matchplay at Scotscraig in June but I’ll be aiming to play in as many men’s events as possible to build up my world ranking before I go to Chicago.”
Magnusson was in position for a commanding lead going into the final day after playing solid par golf for 16 holes but bogeyed both the last two holes for a 73.
“I missed a short putt on 17 and made a bit of a mess of 18, chipping over the green but I’m happy enough with it, I’m still in a good position,” he said.
Stewart went to five-under for the day and two-under for the championship through 14 holes but came to halt with a “disappointing” six at the tough 17th.
“I’m happy though with the overall position I’m in,” he said. “It’s a final day shoot-out.”