Chris Maclean seals his place at tour's Dumbarnie finals

Maclean, a professional at Balmore, won the tour’s first qualifying event, played at Castle Stuart recently.

Carding a -4 68, Maclean took top spot by just one shot from Andrew Thompson, John Henry and Ali Hain who all finished in a tie for third with their -3 69s.

The get back to golf tour is open to all golf professionals and amateurs with a handicap of two or better.

It was created by ex-European Tour pro, BBC Radio Scotland commentator and the UK Managing Director for GolPhin for Kids, Alan Tait.

Its maiden season was last year, the tour created to offer some respite for the country’s leading golfers who were being denied to chance to compete competitively due to Covid-19 restrictions.

O ver 180 top amateurs and pros played at Castle Stuart over the 14 day window, which boosted the prize fund to over £5000.

Maclean was delighted with the win.

“I was dead solid all day and didn’t really make too many mistakes,” he said.

"Castle Stuart is truly an amazing golf course with some of the best views on any course in Scotland."

Once all of the qualifying rounds are completed, 12 golfers will arrive in north east Fife for the finals over Dumbarnie on October 24.

Tour organiser Tait couldn’t hide his delight with how the first event had gone and was overwhelmed at the final numbers.

“What a way to kick off this year’s tour,” he said.

"Castle Stuart is a world class venue and the course was in fantastic condition.

"The feedback from all the players was so positive and regardless of their scores, everyone had a great time.

“If we get even half those numbers at each event this year, then we are in for a great season. I couldn’t be more chuffed."

The second event started at Hayston on Monday 10th May 10 and runs until May 23, before heading to Arbroath Links.

There are 12 events in total before the Dumbarnie final in autumn with over £7000 in sponsorship money to help top up the prize pots as well as £5000 in donated prizes.