Lee ‘delighted’ with European Tour return

Craig Lee enjoyed his return to the European Tour last week after making the cut and finishing a respectable tied 42^nd in the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open.

Lee, 43, called time on his career as a tour pro at the end of the 2017 season but secured one of two PGA spots for this year’s Scottish Open alongside fellow Scot Paul O’Hara who failed to make the cut.

Stirling-based Lee did not look out of place at The Renaissance Club after an opening round of 65, which included seven birdies, placed him alongside the likes of Lee Westwood and Robert Rock at the top end of the leaderboard.

A second-round score of 71 booked Lee a spot at the North Berwick venue for the weekend. Further rounds 76 and 71 saw Lee finish on one-under-par to earn a handsome cheque for just under 31,000 Euros.

“It was great to take a step back into my previous life and see some old acquaintances,” said Lee, who finished runner-up to Thomas Bjorn in the Omega European Masters in 2013.

“I was delighted to accept the opportunity to play in the Scottish open especially at The Renaissance Club golf course where I've been fortunate over the years to have been given permission to use the facilities. 

“It's always a treat to take part in a European Tour event, but when it has the backing of Rolex you know it’s going to be special. 

“Obviously, the weather was mixed. Flat clam practice rounds and scoreable pins Thursday afternoon, then some of the worst conditions I’ve played in over the weekend.

“I'm happy with my game and the way it held up to challenge of renaissance golf course.”

Two-time European Tour winner Robert Rock (pictured below) came within one stroke of making a play-off with Tommy Fleetwood and eventual winner Aaron Rai but will be delighted with his third-place finish.

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