Tait secures ‘fairytale’ victory on his Get Back to Golf Tour
Alan Tait, the founder of the 'Get Back to Golf Tour' in Scotland, secured a spot in the grand final at Dumbarnie Links after pulling off a "fairytale" win.
Tait's triumph came at Longniddry in the eighth and last regular event in the series, which he set up to provide playing opportunities for pros and amateurs after the 2020 schedule was hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.
He carded a four-under-par 64 at the East Lothian venue, as did John Kelly, the pro at Lochview Golf Centre in Coatbridge.
Although Kelly had the better last six holes, he is unavailable for this Sunday's grand final, so Tait will tee up in that along with the winners from the earlier events.
“Bit of a fairytale ending for me to tie for first place in the very last event for 2020," admitted Tait. "I’m absolutely delighted. I was lucky that playing partner James Mcghee and I got a perfect morning for it on Friday at Longniddry. Not a breath of wind and the course was in great nick, so it was there for the taking.
"It’s a shame John Kelly can’t make the Dumbarnie Links final Sunday as he has been a great supporter of the Get Back to Golf Tour, having played in all of them bar one.
"I’m not complaining though and more than happy to take his spot! I love Dumbarnie and looking forward to meeting up with the seven other winners to play for the top spot."
Joining Tait at the new Fife venue are fellow pros Tom Higson, Jamie Mcleary, Craig Lawrie and Ryan Campbell, as well as amateur trio Connor Mckinney, Blair Morton and Alan Tulloth. PGA Europro Tour player
Campbell secured his spot by winning the penultimate event at Musselburgh with a six-under 65.
"I’m sure myself and the other guys will have a great day and it will be the perfect end to what has been a successful wee run of events and has definitely been worthwhile," added Tait. "The feedback I’ve had from the players has been nothing but positive. I’m already thinking how I can make this bigger and better for 2021 and beyond.”
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Adrian Otaegui reckons he wouldn't have joined an exclusive club of Spanish golfers to win as professionals at the top level on Scottish soil if it hadn't been for fellow San Sebastian man Jose Maria Olazabal.
Otaegui's victory in the inaugural Scottish Championship at Fairmont St Andrews on Sunday saw him become just the third Spaniard to taste victory in Scotland on the European Tour.
Seve Ballesteros led the way when he won the 1984 Open at St Andrews before Rafa Cabrera Bello landed the Scottish Open at Dundonald Links in Ayrshire in 2017.
Otaegui is mentored by Olazabal and heaped praise on the two-time Masters champion as he reflected on a stunning four-shot victory over the Torrance Course at the Fife resort.
"We are both from San Sebastian, we come from the same area and I’ve been very lucky to know him for many, many years," said the 27-yearold, who closed with a 63 to claim his third European Tour title.
"He has been a massive inspiration for me and I also want to thank him today because I probably wouldn’t be the same without him.”