A double celebration for Lewis Scott

Lewis Scott enjoyed a week that will long in the 24-year-old’s memory after winning his first professional tournament and landing his first job, writes Ken Gaunt.

Scott was crowned the PGA in Hampshire Match Play champion on his professional debut on August 25 after a stunning 4 & 3 victory against James Ablett at Royal Winchester.

After in the final qualifying spot, Scott rallied to defeat former Order of Merit winner Adam Hickling in the quarter-final. On day two, he overcame another fierce competitor Adam Reid, to set up a showdown with Ablett, someone he knows well as he is also attached to Lee-on-the-Solent.

Scott, who enjoyed a birdie blitz in difficult conditions, said: "I have always liked match play as you are just facing one person.

“It was tough against James, however. I would birdie one hole, then he would do the same as the next hole. I think I was seven under  when I closed it out. James was on three or four under.

“So it was pretty amazing to win the tournament on my debut especially after making such a slow start.”     

Twenty-four hours after lifting the trophy, Scott landed his first club job, joining the team at Paultons Golf Centre in Romsey.

Scott, partnered by Harry Hart, celebrated by finishing tied second in the PGA in Hampshire Fourball Championship at Boundary Lakes. They chalked up a 64, two shots behind Corhampton pair Ian Roper and Adam Reid.   

Scott honed his skills at the University of NorthWestern Ohio after winning a golf scholarship from Itchen College. On returning home  to he was called up by Hampshire Colts last year before deciding to turn pro.

Scott added: "I was playing golf seven days a week, four years straight in the States, so it just seemed natural to turn pro.

“It was awesome playing for a small college in America. In my time there we went from being in the top 100 to the top three or four. I would go back in an instant.”

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