Tartan aces give thumbs up to Trump links

Tartan Tour professionals praised the Trump International Links at Balmedie after the Grampian Houston Junior Trip Fund pro-am at the venue 12 miles north of Aberdeen.

Greig Hutcheon, who finished runner-up to David Orr, winner of the first male pro event over the Trump course with a five-under-par 67, said: "It's a world class golf course, arguably the finest modern links there has ever been constructed.

“Today, from the blue tees at 6,600 on a fairly benign day, it gave you scoring chances. From the black tees at 7,500 in a strong wind it would be a beast. It's a must play links and best described as epic!"

The fact that nine players scored under the par of 72 is a tribute to the quality of play on the Tartan Tour these days.

Eastwood's Orr had seven birdies and two bogeys in halves of 34 and 33. He birdied the third, fourth, sixth, 10th, 12th, 17th and 18th, his final two gains lifting him past clubhouse leader Hutcheon to snatch the £1,833 top pro prize.

Paul Lawrie Golf Centre player Hutcheon had to settle for a £1,466 cheque for a 68 after an outstanding outward half of five-under-par 31, made up of an eagle three at the long fourth and birdies at the first, third and seventh.

He did get one more birdie, at the 17th, but bogeys either side of it cost him the tournament.

Scott Henderson (Kings Links) and Stephen Gray (Hayston) tied  for third place on 69 and earned £962 apiece.  

Gareth Wright's late 70 slotted him into fifth place and earned him £660.

David Thomson (Carnegie Club) steered the Petroleum Pipe No. 1 team to victory in the pro-am event with a net total of 17-under-par 55. The amateurs were Paul Moir (handicap 3), Andrew Forbes (18) and Grahame McKenzie (13).