Memorable victory for Newmachar star Duff

Newmachar amateur John Duff saw off a strong contingent of professionals including Paul Lawrie to win the North-east Alliance at Montrose Links.

Duff, who plays off a plus-two handicap, finished two-shots clear with a two-under-par round of 67. Fellow amateur Greg Watson (Meldrum House) was the only other player to break par and finished in second place on a day in which the changing weather took its casualties.

Finishing his round in the early afternoon, Duff would be the first to admit he scored weather-wise. The later starters had to endure lashing rain and plummeting temperatures.

"That's the coldest and wettest I have ever been on a golf course." said late finisher Paul Lawrie whose 70 earned him £70 and a share of third place with Turriff four-handicapper Albert Smith, former British boys champion Jordan Findlay (Paul Lawrie Golf Centre) and Fraserburgh plus-two amateur Justin Duff.

His namesake John, who earned a £150 voucher, highlighted his card with an eagle two at the 14th and birdies at the fourth, 12th and 17th in halves of 31 (three-under-par) and 36 (one-over).

Duff gained experience of the Montrose Links earlier this year, when he figured prominently in the Montrose five-day Open. 

Watson, who earned a £120 voucher, had two birdie twos in an inward half of 34.

Paul Lawrie had four birdies, but he had double bogey 6s at the ninth and 13th in halves of 35.

Justin Duff's 70 was made up of 17 par figures plus a bogey four at the 16th. 

Albert Smith, who won the Class one leading handicap prize with a net 66 off four had gross birdies at the 12th, 13th and 15^th.

One thing all the players agreed on, whether they scored well or badly, was the fact that the Montrose Links were in first-class condition, particularly the greens.