O’Hara makes intentions clear in Tartan Tour opener

Paul O’Hara served early notice of his intentions to top the Tartan Tour for the second time in three seasons by winning the first event of the new Arnold Clark-sponsored campaign at Stirling Golf Club.

Having won the Tartan Tour in 2019, the pro from North Lanarkshire Leisure Ltd had to settle for second place behind Thomas Higson of Gleneagles last year.

Two sub-par rounds for a nine-under return of 135 in the Order of Merit Challenge at Stirling, however, laid the foundations for a successful turnaround and earned him the £1,110 first prize.

Those two rounds featured a dozen birdies, three coming in the first three holes and, crucially, another trio at the 16^th, 17^th and 18^th on the second circuit.

That final flourish ensured the winner of the 2017 Titleist and FootJoy PGA Championship posted a six-under-par round of 66 to finish two shots clear of Dunbar Golf Club’s Neil Fenwick and the 66-strong field.

O’Hara had begun the second negotiation of the course over which Stirling Castle stands sentry two shots adrift of James McGhee of Swanston Golf Club and one behind Jonnie Cliff of Murrayfield Golf Club. He was also level on three-under with his brother Steven.

His high-octane finish, however, avoided a nail-biting finale and that he won by just two shots is explained by Fenwick signing off with an even more emphatic flourish, an eagle at the par-five 18^th.

The complete list of scores is accessible via this link

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