O’hara still manages to impress in brutal test

It may not have been as low as some of his recent record-breaking scores, but Paul O’hara’s oneover-par 73 in the opening round of the Northern Open was just as impressive given the brutal conditions at Moray Golf Club.

Heavy rain turned the first day of the Tartan Tour event into a war of attrition, with the later starters, including O’hara, also having to contend with wind gusting to around 40mph at the Lossiemouth venue.

“It was a battle of survival all day,” said O’hara, who started birdie-birdie and was three-under with eight holes to play before dropping shots at the 11th, 13th, 14th and 18th as it turned really nasty.

“If the greens had started to flood, and I don’t know how they didn’t as the fairways were flooded and even some of the rough, I’m sure it would have been called off.

“For the last six holes especially, it was pretty much unplayable. My grips were soaking, all my gloves had been used and my towels were soaking wet as well.”

The two-time Scottish Amateur Championship finalist leads by two shots from Bathgate’s Louis Gaughan, with Ross Cameron (Saltire Energy) and Eastwood professional David Orr tied for third on 75.

“I’m in good position going into the second round,” added O’hara, who came into the event in good form, having shot scores of 61 and 63 at Largs and Bishopbriggs respectively in recording recent pro-ams wins on the Scottish circuit. “I think it is going to be equally as bad, so I now need to get everything dried off to go again.”

Gaughan, who contended in this event at Royal Dornoch last year before dropping away in the last round, was “chuffed” with his opening effort.

“I think that is about the toughest conditions I’ve ever played in,” he declared. “It just never let up and it was freezing as well, so I was pleased to get back into the clubhouse to get some heat into me.”

Defending champion Greig Hutcheon was home in 44 as he signed for a 78 to sit joint 12th.