Fenwick seals Scottish Open spot with victory at Rowallan Castle

Edinburgh man Neil Fenwick secured a dream Scottish Open debut in East Lothian next week by claiming a second win three starts to top the new Tartan Pro Tour Order of Merit.

The 32-year- old added the Rowallan Castle Championship to his Pollok Open victory in a thrilling finish to the battle for a prized berth in the Aberdeen Standard Investmentssponsored event at The Renaissance Club.

Fenwick, pictured, who star ted the second and final round two shots behind overnight leader Danny Kay after an opening 66 at the Ayrshire venue, produced a telling thrust on the back nine.

He holed a 40 -yard wedge shot for an eagle 3 at the 13th before adding birdies at both the 16th and 17th, leaving him in a position where he knew that a last-hole bogey would not prove costly.

“I am delighted for myself and also delighted for my family as it’s been a tough year due to my dad almost dying from the coronavirus,” said the Dunbar-attached player after he carded a 67 for a nineunder-par total to win by two shots from Sean Lawrie (66), Jack Mcdonald ( 68) and Chris Robb (68). Fenwick picked up a top prize worth £4,000 to take his earnings to £10,111 from six events on the circuit set up by Paul Lawrie to provide playing opportunities for Scottish-based pros.

He topped the order of merit by £560 from Robb, with John Henry (£8,628) and Sam Locke (£7,844) in third and four th respectively.

While F en wick’ s main reward is that start in a starstudded field for next week’s European Tour event, he has also secured a minimum of four start son next season’ s Challenge Tour.

“When it was announced that Paul Lawrie had managed to set up these six great events, it was definitely a goal to try to win the Order of Merit,” admitted Fenwick, who was among the players left with nowhere to play when the entire PGA Europro Tour schedule was cancelled this year .“I have been playing really well and it was great to show that in the heat of battle today as I think eight players could have won it on a tough windy day.

“I played well down the stretch and I am delighted to get the job done for the second time in three events, landing some amazing added bonuses at the same time.”

Hannah Mcco ok won the women’ s order of merit on the circuit to secure a spot in next year’s Aberdeen Standard Investment Ladies Scottish Open.