World class line-up

Oct 24 2008 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

THEY’VE teamed-up to beat the best in the world but now it’s personal.

Gavin Dear and Wallace Booth are getting over jet lag after helping Scotland claim the Eisenhower Trophy and World Amateur Team Championship.

But now the Scottish internationalists face step two on the arduous path towards claiming a coveted slot on the European Tour.

Both players harbour ambitions to join the ranks of the professionals and have already emerged from the Oxfordshire qualifiers.

Stage two is in Spain and the odds are always stacked against individuals chasing their Tour dream.

But the Scots have already bucked the odds to join Tullieallan’s Calum Macaulay in claiming the world title in Adelaide.

All three played key roles Down Under in an amazing nine shot win over second placed USA. And they’re hoping to maintain that form as they jostle with rivals seeking Tour passports.

Back home in Scone yesterday, ex-Perth Academy pupil and Stirling University graduate Gavin (24), a long-time Murrayshall member, admitted the enormity of Scotland’s world title win was only just sinking in.

“I thought we had a really good chance after preparing in Sydney and the feeling grew as the tournament progressed. By the final day we were 10 up on the USA with nine holes remaining so it was only ours to lose by that stage.

“That wasn’t going to happen, with everyone playing their part over the week. That was the key to our success.

“It is a massive achievement for Scotland. It was all a bit surreal at the time but it tops anything in my golfing career.

“I love playing for Scotland. That was an ambition when I was a kid. But to win the world championship is something else. And it’s a massive confidence boost for the next Tour qualifiers.”

While Gavin prepares for Arcos Gardens in the south of Spain for stage two of the qualifying school, from November 5-8, Comrie-based Wallace makes for nearby Montenmedio. Their aim is to make the third stage in Catalonia.

Scottish champion Wallace (Comrie) said: “Winning the Eisenhower was something special. It’s great winning an individual competition but this means so much to so many people.

“It’s fantastic for Scottish golf. We’ve made history by becoming the first of the home nations to win the trophy after going our separate ways. It shows what a small country with a big heart can achieve.

“It was brilliant hearing Flower of Scotland at the glamorous closing ceremony in Adelaide, with the flag being raised above the USA and Sweden. Does it get any better than that in amateur golf?”

Wallace plans a few days away from the golf course before cranking it up for the next Tour qualifier.

“I have to retain my focus. I can’t afford to rest on my laurels. It gets more and more difficult at every stage and I’ll certainly have to play better than I did at The Oxfordshire. But the world team win is a great confidence boost.”