Stewart and Lumsden get final spots in Euro team

Jamie Stewart and Ryan Lumsden were the winners, with Chris Maclean probably the main loser, as the Scotland side chasing a hat-trick of European team titles in Austria next month was announced.

There seemed little doubt that four of the places in the six-man side would be going to Robert Macintyre (Glencruitten), Connor Syme (Drumoig), Craig Howie (Peebles) and Liam Johnson (Dumfries & County) based on either world rankings or performances this season.

However, the selections of both Old Ranfurly teenager Stewart and Lumsden, a Royal Wimbledon member, probably seemed unlikely as recently as a month ago, when the likes of Craig Ross, Sandy Scott, Rory Franssen and Maclean seemed more probable candidates.

Stewart has had an eyecatching run, including finishing joint second in the Brabazon Trophy and seventh in the Lytham Trophy, to thank for his berth while Lumsden left it late to force his way into the team, though, in fairness, he produced some good performances on the US college circuit for Northwestern before making it to the last 16 in the Amateur Championship a week ago.

Macintyre, Howie and Syme are all survivors from last year’s winning team in France, with the latter having also helped claim the title in Sweden in 2015. Now he’s trying to help the Scots become the first team since England more than 40 years ago to win the event three times on the trot.

“We have a strong team and I’m excited for our chances,” said national coach Ian Rae of an event being held at the Diamond Golf Resort in Austria from 11-15 July. “There have been some great performances this season and hopefully we can combine again to retain the title and achieve history.”

In the paid ranks, three players – Ross Munro (Duddingston), Mark O’donnell (Linlithgow) and Marc Owenson (Gullane) – share the lead on three-under 68 after the opening round of the Scottish Young Pros Championship at West Lothian.