Hay’s strong Tartan Pro start secures a Finn bonus

Gavin Hay has secured a Challenge Tour start later this year on the back of his eye-catching start on the new Tartan Pro Tour campaign.

Hay, who hails from Grant based at east renfrewshire golf club, won the season-opener at montrose Links with rounds of 74-69 before finishing in a tie for seventh behind Sam Locke at Kilmarnock (Barassie) after scores of 71-68.

He then completed the first phase of the campaign by following a 71 with a bogey-free 66 in tough conditions at Royal Dornoch last week to finish in a share of fourth spot behind Kieran Cantley.

The combined efforts left hay sitting at the top of the money list after three events, meaning he has secured a spot in the vie rumäki Finnish Challenge on the challenge tour in August.

“It’s a nice wee bonus,” said Hay of a reward set up by the Tartan Pro Tour’s founder, Paul Lawrie. “I was aware of the different scenarios heading into the event at royal do rnoch, especially the second round.

“I hadn’t played so well on the first day, but a bogey-free 66 in strong wind son the second day was very pleasing indeed.

“The Challenge Tour is a slightly higher level than I am used to, which will be good. I have played in the Scottish Challenge in the past, but it will be good to get a trip to Finland for this one.”

Hay, inset, believes he has the perfect balance in his golfing life. He said: “I have always enjoyed teaching and becoming the teaching pro at east renfrewshire was important due to it providing a stable income. The club has attracted quite a few new members and it also has a good junior section.”