Golfers have their eyes on the prize

Mar 18 2013 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

The countdown is on to the Scottish Boys Championship...and a host of talented youngsters will be swinging into action to fly the flag for Renfrewshire.

The prestigious event is being staged at the renowned Monifieth Golf Links, in Angus, from Monday, April 1, to Saturday, April 6, when the best under-18 players from across the country will assemble.

They’ll all be seeking to emulate the achievments of last year’s winner Craig Howie, from Peebles.

With Howie now over-age, a new name will be on the coveted trophy, with Ewan Scott (St Andrews) installed as the number one seed.

However, with as many as 11 Renfrewshire players and one East Renfrewshire representative involved, competition is expected to be fierce.

Elderslie ace Scott Ewing must overcome Christopher Martin, of Cowglen, to book his passage through, while Old Ranfurly’s Ross Robertson is up against Harburn’s Christopher Curran.

Cochrane Castle’s Craig Orr takes on number eight seed Calum Hill, of Tantallon, in what looks like a difficult opening tie for the Renfrewshire player, while Andrew McColl, of Erskine, must do battle with Jamie Beedie, of Montrose Mercantile.

Another Erskine-based player is Matthew Sutherland and he has been paired against Bearsden’s Aran Sinclair in round one, while Old Ranfurly’s Conor Toal must play Mark Napier, of Dundas Park.

Kilmacolm’s Calum Aitken has been paired to play Stuart Irving, of Falkirk, in round one, while Andrew Guthrie (Erskine) plays William Kerr, of Craigielaw.

Cochrane Castle player Kyle Turner takes on Blair Carnegie, of Glenbervie, while Colin Edgar, also of Cochrane Castle, is up against Downfield’s John McKenna.

East Renfrewshire ace Josh Beatt (Fereneze) will play Mark McNulty, of Glenbervie, and Steven Leighton, of Kilmacolm, has been paired against Lewis Bain, of Musselburgh.

Previous winners of the Scottish Boys Championship include illustrious names such as Andrew Coltart, Steven O’Hara and Scott Henry.

Bill Miller, chairman of Monifieth Golf Links, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting this very prestigious tournament, having last hosted a national championship in 2005.

“That year, we staged the Scottish Boys Stroke Play Championship, when Steven McEwan won.

“Our members are looking forward to welcoming the nation’s best young golfers.”