Play Better Golf

With Niall McGill

Perth and Kinross County Golf Union’s season has teed-off in style.

The traditional Champion of Champions event welcomed the region’s top golfers to Blairgowrie’s Lansdowne course on Sunday.

Taking home the junior trophy in a closely-contested event was 17-year-old King James VI member Alexander Ewen.

The Strathallan student’s better inward half saw him finish narrowly ahead of Pitlochry golfer Josh Dolzanski. Both scored 78.

Muckhart’s Luke Volland placed third with a round of 81.

Alexander, whose handicap is +0.2, said: “I played solid throughout the 18.

“My driving wasn’t the best, but I think that was the best my recovery has ever been.

“I was in the trees a couple of times but managed to stick the ball close to the pin, which really helped my score.

“I knew I had to pick up a few shots in the back nine.

“Hailstones started when we were on the 13th and the course completely changed. But you could then attack the flag.”

Currently back in school mode, Alexander is looking forward to more competitive action in the coming weeks.

“It’s a really good start to the season to get a win under my belt,” Alexander told the Perthshire Advertiser.

“I’m actually in an exam period at the moment but it was really good to get the competition at the weekend.

“It was a good sign of where my game is at and what I need to work on going into the season.

“My goal for the season is to get my first win in a Scottish tour event. That has always been an ambition.

“I think playing in the big events brings my game on a lot.

“I can see where my game is at against the very best juniors in Scotland and even in Europe in some cases.”

Alexander made sure to thank all at King James VI Golf Club for their encouragement through the years.

He has been delighted to see the junior section at the club grow and hopes that even more youngsters can get involved.

Still a regular down at the Island course, he worked very hard through the winter to have his game in the best possible shape for tournament golf.

The high-profile Barrie Douglas Scottish Junior Masters