Single shot propels Ryan to Masters title Tartan Tour win on favoured Blairgowrie courses
Ryan Campbell savoured a breakthrough win when he lifted this week’s inaugural “Blairgowrie Perthshire Masters”supported by local firm Carbon Financial.
The 29- year- old pro, who is attached to The Renaissance Club, posted rounds of 67 (-5) and 68 (-4) over the Lansdowne and Rosemount championship courses to claim the Farmfoods Tartan Pro Tour title and a four-figure cheque.
He pipped in- form Perth pro Danny Young – who won last week’s St Andrews Classic - Michael Stewart and Fraser Moore by a single shot. They all carded a 66 on Rosemount.
Dunfermline-based Campbell, who has played out of Falkirk Golf Club most of his life, revealed he joined the Perthshire club earlier this year.
“It’s my first professional win over a tournament that was more than one round. It’s good to get it over the line,” he said.
“I have played a lot here with Bradley Neil in the past and I decided to become a member this year. The courses and facilities are fantastic.
“It is one of my favourite places to play golf. I absolutely love it here.”
Campbell has been playing on the PGA EuroPro Tour in recent years and has enjoyed European
Tour and Challenge Tour invitations this season.
“There were a few players on my tail and I knew I had to hole a fourfooter on the 18th to win,” he said.
“The standard is very high. There are a lot of very good golfers playing in these events.
“Next week we are at Leven and we have Renaissance, Royal Aberdeen and Carnoustie to come before the end of the season.”
The Tartan Pro Tour was the brainchild of 1999 Open winner Paul Lawrie, who made time in a busy schedule to return rounds of 70 and 71.
He was delighted that Carbon
Financial and a string of businesses backed his vision.
“We already have a number of excellent young pros making a name for themselves and the more the merrier,” he said.
“Hopefully we will see another Scottish player winning The Open in the near future. The quality is certainly there at all levels, as we saw demonstrated at the Perthshire Masters. It’s great that companies like Carbon have come on board to support us.”
Gordon Wilson, Carbon Financial’s managing director, said: “It’s fantastic that Paul has thrown his weight behind this Tour to help the professionals get competitive action under their belt at some of the country’s top courses.
“We have a long- standing relationship with Blairgowrie Golf Club as a corporate partner and it was great to hear the glowing feedback from the pros.”
Stuart Wilson, managing secretary at Blairgowrie, noted that the rarely used 16th Martini tee on Rosemount came into play for this week’s event.
He said: “It is named as a tribute to Greg Norman, who won his first European tournament here, sponsored by Martini, back in the seventies.
“The green staff deserve all the kudos coming their way from the competitors. That’s what we want to hear from visitors.
“They are accustomed to presenting golf courses in superb condition for our members but it was nice to hear many of the young pros saying Blairgowrie is their favourite inland golf venue.”