22/08/2023
Scott Catlin survived a late wobble to claim the honours in the Kerr Investments Order of Merit Pro-Am at Dumfries & Galloway Golf Club.
The Affordable Golf-attached pro reeled off rounds of 67 and 68 for a five-under aggregate of 135 and won by a single shot from Gavn Hay and the reigning Scottish PGA champion, Alastair Forsyth.
Catlin, who had posted a trio of top-10s in his previous four Order of Merit outings on the Tartan Tour, had been part of a three-way tie at the top after round one but he made a telling thrust during the outward half of round two to take charge of affairs.
A burst of four birdies in his first eight holes got his nose in front and despite a bogey on nine, Catlin bounced back with another birdie on the 13th.
With the finishing line in sight, however, Catlin leaked a shot on the 16th and spilled another on the 17th but he had enough in reserve to ease to the £2240 top prize.
Hay signed off with a 67 to share second with Forsyth, who closed with a 69. Chris Doak, the former Tartan Tour No 1, mounted a late charge and picked up birdies at 12, 13, 16 and 17 in a best-of-the-day 65 to jump into a share of fourth on three-under.
The Order of Merit campaign will head for Scotscraig next week for the flagship Scottish PGA Championship.
CLICK HERE to view a full list of score from the Kerr Investments Order of Merit Pro-Am.