Doak relishing ‘mainstay’ Kerr Investments event as competitive comeback continues

18/08/2021

There’s life in the old Doak yet it seems. At 43, Chris Doak is hardly ready for bus passes and cut-price meals at the Day Centre. In this game of great longevity, the advancing years have never been a barrier to success. “I’ve still got plenty of ambitions and I’d love to get back on tour,” he said of a drive to return to the main European circuit. “I’ll not give up.”

Injury led to Doak slipping off the European Tour a few years ago but, having returned to square one, the former Scottish PGA champion is determined to work his way back up the ladder.

For the time being, the domestic scene will keep those competitive instincts sharp and, this weekend, Doak heads to the Dumfries & Galloway club for the Kerr Investments Order of Merit Pro-Am, one of the most popular stops on the Arnold Clark Tartan Tour.

Doak won the title last year. “By default,” he said with a self-deprecating chuckle after the second round was abandoned due to the weather. “But a win’s a win.”

Backed by long-term sponsors the Kerr brothers, the 36-holer remains a hardy perennial of the Tartan Tour with Dougie Alison’s tireless, enthusiastic endeavours once again ensuring healthy Pro-Am team numbers.

“Even in the downturn, the Kerr Brothers have stuck by the Tartan Tour,” added Doak, who was a prolific force on the Scottish stage between 2005 and 2008 while also winning the PGA Play-offs to become the GB&I No 1.

“They have been real mainstays and Dougie runs a great event that’s always had a really good field and atmosphere. We can’t thank them enough.”

Doak, who recently signed with Paul Lawrie’s management company, made his return to the European Tour in the Hero Open a fortnight ago. A turbulent 90 – “my worst score for about 25 years” – was as painful as a 7-iron on the shin but a one-under second round underlined the mental fortitude you need in this unforgiving, fickle game. “You always find a wee something don’t you?,” he said of a golf’s fluctuating fortunes.

Doak will be hoping he finds a winning formula in Dumfries this weekend.