Walker takes big step to Gleneagles final

David Walker (right) has capped a 38-year association with Paisley Golf Club by helping the club win the Lombard Trophy regional final at Pollok Golf Club.

The two-handicapper, who has played at the club since he was seven, partnered PGA Professional Andrew Carlton as the pair edged out Douglas Park's Robert Irvine and Andrew Frame on countback after each duo carded seven under par rounds of 64 at the Glasgow course.

A bogey at the 18th hole from the Douglas Park duo proved decisive enabling Carlton and Walker to secure a place in the £80,000 grand final over the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles between September 1-2.

It was a proud moment for Walker who has not only been a member at Paisley since he was seven years old, but has links that go back two generations.

“My father is a former captain at Paisley and my grandfather was an honorary member,” he explained.

“So the club really is part of the family and I’ve grown up around it.

“I’ve never come close to getting to a final like this before so it’s fantastic.”

Walker, an operations manager for a computer company, also has some experience of Gleneagles.

“I think it was in 1992 when I caddied for Dean Robertson at the Scottish open there and I played at Gleneagles for my 40th birthday,” said.

“But this will be a very special event.”

Carlton had an extra reason to be happy with the result having missed out on the final last year by one shot and was determined to go one better.

“It’s quite deflating when you come second in something like this,” said Carlton.

“So I didn’t want that again.

“I don’t to play that many tournament these days, so when I do I want it to be worthwhile.

“I felt seven under par would be enough to win it, but it was a close thing in the end.

“David was exceptional and made six birdies while I tried to keep everything steady.

“I am really over the moon to be going to Gleneagles.”