Euan McIntosh (Scottish Golf photo)
PERTH, SCOTLAND (August 5, 2018) - It was a day to remember for Turnhouse’s Euan McIntosh as he was crowned the Scottish Men’s Amateur Champion at Blairgowrie defeating talented Renfrewshire teenager, Jamie Stewart, 3&2 in an enthralling final.
McIntosh, a 49-year-old former Tour professional, carded nine-birdies, an eagle and only one dropped shot over the 34 holes, a level of golf that anyone would find hard to match.
Related: Scottish Am: McIntosh vs. Stewart final is age against youth
The final was played in great spirit and was a birdie-fest from start to finish, as 18-year old Stewart amassed 10 birdies and an eagle, however the difference between the two was Stewart’s six dropped shots.
The match-play stages took place over Blairgowrie’s Rosemount Course which reaped praise from competitors throughout the week, not only for its immaculate condition but for the scorability and birdie opportunities, which set the championship up for a host of exciting head-to-head battles.
Reflecting on his victory McIntosh said: “It feels amazing, it hasn’t sunk in yet, at 49-years old to win this championship is great. When I get home this evening, I’ll take it all in.
After his victory, McIntosh was adamant that his week would have ended much earlier, had it not been for a tip he received from Scottish National Coach Ian Rae after his first round win.
“I tell you this right now, I would not have won my second round match, had I not spoken to Ian. He gave me a tip that transformed the way that I play match-play, because I haven’t performed well in match-play since I came back in 2016.
“He basically told me to stop focusing on what my opponent was doing and to ask myself, ‘what am I going to do.’ Forget what they have done, focus on what you can control, and that is what I did over every shot from then on.
When asked what’s next, McIntosh said:” The plan is still to turn professional once again and have a go at the Seniors Tour next year. I turn 50 in February and qualifying in America is in November.
When there is a winner, there is always a runner-up, and unfortunately this was the case for Old Course Ranfurly’s Jamie Stewart. With defeat still raw, the classy teenager was full of praise for McIntosh:
“I’m gutted to have lost the final today, I just didn’t have my best stuff. Congratulations to Euan, who was a deserving winner in the end, I wish him all the best for the future.
Next up for Stewart is his return back across the pond to continue his college education in the US where he attends the University of Missouri.
ABOUT THE
Scottish Amateur
The Scottish Amateur Championship began in
1922 and has witnessed many famous victors,
including legendary amateurs Ronnnie Shade
and Charlie Green as well as some of the stars
of the modern game, Colin Montgomerie and
Stephen Gallacher.
Entry to the Championship is open to any male
golfer who was either born in Scotland, has
Scottish parentage, permanent residency in
Scotland for not less than 5 years and has not
played international golf or competed in a
closed Championship for any other country
other than Scotland. The starting field shall be
256 and, in the event of an over-entry, the
number shall be reduced in order of exact
handicap. Each match shall consist of one
round of 18 holes except the final which will be
played over 36 holes.
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