Golf: Binning leads Scottish hopes

Jun 19 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

TALENTED teenage golfer Sam Binning of Ranfurly Castle will spearhead local hopes when he tees off in his bid for glory at the Scottish Youth Championships, which begin today at Renfrew GC.

Binning, 18, finished joint 33rd at the event last year and he will no doubt be eager to improve on that finish this weekend.

The tournament starts today and runs until Sunday and it’s hoped his knowledge of the local area will give him a slight upper hand.

However, there are many other youngsters from the Renfrewshire Golf Union area who will provide Sam will plenty of intense competition at the two-day event.

There are eight other players from Paisley and Renfrewshire and they too will be desperate to show up well.

Also in the field are Jordan Grant of Renfrew, Jack Bradley of Paisley, Darryn Grant of Renfrew, Michael Dailly of Erskine, Chris Conroy of Paisley, Alistair Lauder of Paisley, Philip Gordon of Paisley and Alexander Ferguson, also of Paisley.

The championship will comprise of 72 holes of stroke play golf, while 18 holes will be played on each of the first two days.

The 40 competitors returning the lowest scores over the first 36 holes and those tie-ing for 40th place shall play the final 36 holes and contest the trophy.

The tee times for today are as follows: Alexander Ferguson (12.20pm), Sam Binning (12.45pm), Philip Gordon (1.15pm), Alistair Lauder (1pm), Michael Dailly (12.35pm), Chris Conroy (9.25am), Darryn Grant (9.10am), Jack Bradley (8.05am), Jordan Grant (1.25pm).

Renfrewshire Golf Union president Bill Gilmour is delighted so many competitors are from the Paisley and Renfrewshire area.

He said: “Renfrewshire Golf Union is delighted that so many of our young golfers are competing at this week’s event which, with the low handicap cut off, says a lot for the effectiveness of our coaching programme.

“They will be competing with the best in Scotland and other countries and it would be great to see a local winner. We wish them all the best.”