Blairgowrie hosts Scottish championships

May 24 2011 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

THE country’s top amateur players will be in action at Blairgowrie Golf Club this weekend.

The East Perthshire club, where the Great White Shark Greg Norman captured his first professional title, is hosting the Scottish Amateur Strokeplay on Friday and over the weekend.

Flying the flag for Blair are 15-year-old club champion Bradley Neil and Scottish international Glenn Campbell, who warmed-up with a three stroke margin of victory in Sunday’s windswept club scratch open tournament with cards of 68 and 72.

The contenders have handicaps all better than +1.3 and are competing for a coveted trophy won by Colin Montgomerie and Richie Ramsay before they stepped-up into the professional ranks.

The strength of the field has been boosted with the Walker Cup clash between GB&I and the USA being staged at Royal Aberdeen later this year – and the Blairgowrie duo will be trying to impress the selection committee.

Coupar Angus based Glenn, the 2005 Scottish Amateur Champion, is eager to add this title to his impressive golfing CV.

IC Hutcheon was won the title when the event was staged at Blairgowrie in 1974 and 1979, and in 1989 Frenchman F. Illouz triumphed.

Scotland starlet Bradley, current holder of both the Scottish and English U14 titles, would love to land the title at his first attempt and become the youngest-ever winner.

Blairgowrie Golf Club, which recently hosted an exhibition match featured Open champion Paul Lawrie, are honoured to host the event and worked closely with the SGU to ensure no stone was left unturned in the build-up.

Yesterday, Douglas Cleeton, managing secretary, said: “Many members have volunteered their time or services to assist with this event, which speaks volumes for the enthusiasm shown at the club.

“Naturally, with the event being played over Lansdowne there will be disruption for members as generally only Rosemount and the Wee Course will be available for play over this weekend.

“With the club championships 1st round qualifying on Saturday, as well as the Strokeplay qualifying second round, we are guaranteed an extremely busy day.

“For this and other days we have ensured an overflow car park is available nearby.

“The quality of the courses and facilities at the club are a major factor in this event being held here – and for other major events being held this year and in the future.”

Blairgowrie is also hosting a PGA Sprint Series event on Monday, June 27 over Lansdowne with a field of 90 professional golfers.

Other events confirmed include the Scottish Area Team Championships and Scottish Ladies Junior Open Strokeplay in 2012, and the Scottish Amateur Championship in 2013.