Perthshire trio enjoy golfing success on European stage

Jul 4 2008 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A HIGHLY-RATED Perth and Kinross trio were in sparkling form this week as they caught the eye at major events panning out in Italy and England.

Scotland duo Wallace Booth and Gavin Dear played key roles as a six-man tartan line-up led the way at the European Team Championships unfolding in Turin.

And down south, teenage prospect Paul McPhee headed the field after the first two rounds of the McGregor Trophy being played out at High Post Golf Club in Wiltshire.

Comrie player Booth was outstanding in the first two rounds in Italy, helping the Scots lead the charge into the last eight of the competition.

With five of the six scores counting, Scotland left rivals trailing in their wake in the early phase, setting-up a clash with France, who defeated them at the semi-final stage last year.

With Booth, the recently-crowned Bidwells Scottish Amateur Stroke-Play champion, carding an individual best 65 and finishing an amazing 10 under, Scotland enjoyed a comfortable five-stroke advantage on Sweden – their nearest rivals.

Dear, from Murrayshall, played his part with solid sub par rounds of 70.

Twenty four international teams featuring the cream of continental golf began the tournament and just eight made it to the knock-out stages.

With an impressive 349 team tally – 22 under par – the Scots stormed into the next stage.

The French side were 24 shots off the pace but featured three of the team which ousted the bronze wining Scots at Western Gailes last year.

Meanwhile, down south, King James VI starlet McPhee was catching the eye at a English Golf Union U16s event luring 127 competitors.

The former Scotland U14 stroke-play champion posted a four under par total of 136 with opening rounds of 67 and 69. While fellow Scottish champion Ian Redford was disappointed to miss the cut, McPhee led the way as 40 qualified for the final two rounds.

He also ensured the Scots finished third in the Nations Cup event running in tandem with the McGregor Trophy.