Champions are crowned to tee off golf season Junior and senior event held at Blairgowrie

Young King James VI golfer Alexander Ewen is the junior Champion of Champions at Strathmore Golf Centre, which will welcome a top field, is next on the schedule at the end of the month.

“In the off-season I worked with my coach Fintan Bonner,” Alexander explained. “It was just about getting ready for the season ahead.

“I feel my game has improved for this season and I hope a really good finish is close by. My game feels just about there.

“There are competitions coming up that suit my eye. I’m definitely looking for some good finishes.”

Gents’ winner at the Champion of Champions was Mark Rose of Pitlochry Golf Club, who edged out Crieff’s David Simpson.

Both players finished on a 36-hole total of 147 but Mark’s better last round clinched him the victory.

Glenn Campbell and Tom McLevy, both of Blairgowrie Golf Club, finished on 148.

Plus-two handicapper Mark laughed: “The last time I won the Champion of Champions was actually 23 years ago.

“The course was playing long and it was just a case of surviving at times.

“You always knew that two scores in and around par was going to be there or thereabouts.

“I normally work away through the week but lockdown was good for my golf - because I was at home.

“I was able to practice which is something I haven’t been able to do for about 15 years. It has done wonders for me.

“I usually go away on a Tuesday and am not back until very late on a Thursday night.

“Having time at home with the family - as well as being able to play golf and practice - has been fantastic.”

Perth and Kinross County Golf secretary Alan Cargill thanked all those involved in making the day a success.

And he is looking forward to hosting more events for county players in the coming months.

He said: “A special thank you to Stuart Wilson and all the team at Blairgowrie for welcoming us back and providing a fantastic course for our players to test their skills.”