Shrewd Fox in pole position at Blairgowrie

Graham Fox lived up to his name with a cunning display to defy fierce conditions at Blairgowrie and qualify for the Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship final.

The reigning Scottish PGA champion carded a two-under-par 70 to clinch a one stroke victory over West Lothian’s Alan Reid who saw his brilliant start of four birdies in five holes  evaporate with a run of five bogeys in six through the turn.

Fox built his score in the Peugeot supported event with opening back to back birdies and further gains at nine and 10 which offset dropped shots at six and eight.

“I was quite happy with that because it was blowing a gale and I haven’t been able to practise as much as I would have liked,” said Fox.

“But I enjoy playing in the wind because you have to play smart and manufacture your shots.”

The 35-year-old’s efforts have secured him a maiden appearance in the £78,000 Glenmuir final beign staged at De Vere Slaley Hall from  June 11-14.

He will be joined by 12 other qualifiers including Scott Catlin from Greenburn Golf Club who was level for his round over Blairgowrie’s Lansdowne course.

Fox still harbours hopes of a return to the European Tour but in the meantime is relishing his coaching role at the Clydeway Golf Performance Centre alongside friend and fellow PGA Professional Stuart Williamson.

“Stuart has taken over the range and invested a lot in it so it’s a new exciting venture and I’m coaching there,” added Fox.

“My goal remains to return to the European Tour but it gets harder and harder each year to play in the region and then pitch up at Q-school and get through six rounds because the standard is getting higher every year.

“To succeed on tour you need an electric short game at all times and you need self belief. The mental approach is so important these days.”