Hutcheon comes up trumps in Aberdeen

THE Tartan Tour professionals were singing the praises of the Trump International Links at Balmedie after yesterday’s Grampian Houston Junior Trip Fund pro-am at the venue 12 miles north of Aberdeen.

Greig Hutcheon, who finished runner-up to David Orr, winner of the first male pro event over the Trump course with a five-under-par 67, said: “It’s a world-class golf course, arguably the finest modern links there has ever been constructed. From the blue tees at 6,600 on a fairly benign day, it gave you scoring chances.”

The fact that nine players scored under the par of 72 is a tribute to the quality of play on the Tartan Tour.

Eastwood’s Orr had seven birdies and two bogeys in halves of 34 and 33. He birdied the third, fourth, sixth, 10th, 12th, 17th and 18th, his final two gains lifting him past clubhouse leader Hutcheon to snatch the £1,833 prize.

Paul Lawrie Golf Centre player Hutcheon had to settle for a £1,466 payslip for a 68 after an outstanding outward half of five-under-par 31.

Scott Henderson (Kings Links) and Stephen Gray (Hayston) tied for third place on 69 and earned £962 apiece.

Gareth Wright’s late 70 slotted him into fifth place and earned him £660.

David Thomson (Carnegie Club) led Petroleum Pipe No.1 team to victory in the pro-am event with 17-under-par 55. The amateurs were Paul Moir, Andrew Forbes and Grahame McKenzie.