Open crown just par-fect says Wilson
TYNESIDE’S James Wilson became the first English winner of the 72-hole Battle Trophy Open at Crail Golfing Society’s Craighead links.
His brilliant third-round, course-record-equalling, nineunder-par 63 included an eagle and eight birdies and lacerated Euan Walker’s lead from five strokes to one.
Playing in the worst conditions of the day, Kilmarnock Barassie man Walker could birdie only two holes in his last 27 and was unable to hold the charging Wilson at bay.
Following the warm and sunny weather of the first two rounds, the third round was played in perfect golfing weather - which allowed Wilson the chance to go for every pin and make the most of his chances.
However, the wind became steadily stronger as the day wore on until it was tearing through the course at more than 20mph.
In such conditions, the closing 69 of Stonehaven’s Scottish champion Sam Locke was impressive and also put Wilson’s last-round 73 into perspective.
Wilson said: “I have entered the Lytham Trophy, so felt I needed competitive golf as preparation.
“Having heard about the Battle Trophy tournament , I took a chance and travelled up from Newcastle.
“I was very impressed with the standard of the Crail course, the condition of the greens and the very high standard of golf being played.
“There are a lot of good golfers in the North East who should make the effort to come here and play in this competition. They would enjoy it.”
Walker, who had led the tournament throughout the first three rounds, was sanguine in defeat, saying he was happy with his performance and could not have done much more in the last round - such was the effect of the weather.