Golden days for Big County golf

Jun 6 2008 by Gordon Bannerman

IT’S a golden era for amateur golf in Perth and Kinross.

Comrie’s Wallace Booth followed in the footsteps of county and Scotland team colleagues Kevin McAlpine and Glenn Campbell by capturing a Scottish crown on Sunday.

And yesterday Barrie Douglas, Perth and Kinross representative on the SGU and captain of the national U18 side, said: “This success is unprecedented in the county’s history.

“Between Wallace, Kevin and Glenn they have now got four national titles to their name and don’t forget that at the under age level King James VI trio Ian Redford, Sam McLaren and Paul McPhee have all been crowned Scottish champions.”

Barrie was delighted to see Wallace emulate his county colleagues at the Home of Golf.

He said: “Wallace has a great work ethic and fully deserves this title.

“He first featured in the county team at the age of 15 and was a Scottish youth champion – so I’ve been joking that it was about time he won a national title at the senior level!

“Wallace hits the ball as well as the pros and he has a superb temperament.”

Barrie also pointed out that university student Gavin Dear, of Murrayshall, has got off to a superb start this season.

He has also made the Scotland squad.

“Allied to the various youngsters emerging in Perth and Kinross, the county is in good shape,” said Barrie.

Wallace’s Bidwells Scottish Open Strokeplay triumph over the Duke’s Course at St Andrews was a career best for the 22-year-old Augusta graduate who has his sights set on the pro ranks.

And now he goes into the St Andrews Links Trophy on a high this weekend.

“I was delighted to win over the Duke’s and now I’m looking for consistency,” he declared.

“You want to win any tournament you enter but the Scottish was special.

“I’ve played well in the past at that event and it all came together last weekend.

“It has been a great few years for Perth and Kinross.

“Kevin and Glenn have both got Scottish titles to their name. And Gavin Dear is playing as well as anyone,” said Wallace.

Blairgowrie’s Campbell, a past Order of Merit winner, finished tied in 13th spot at the Duke’s.

Wallace maintained: “I feel I’ve benefited from warm weather golf in Australia and Spain over the winter.”

He has also made the GB and I squad for the St Andrews Trophy clash with the Continent of Europe at Kingsbarns in August.