Jamie McLeary builds on tour win with third place finish

McLeary, who has played on the European and Challenge Tours, won the second event on the new Scottish tour when it was played over Murrayshall recently.

The unique format sees pros and amateurs given ten days to complete a round over a selected course before turning their scorecard in to organisers.

The winner of each stage qualifies for the tour’s final event which will be played at Dumbarnie Links in October.

The Montrose event, which saw 68 players compete, was won jointly by professional Craig Lawrie (Paul’s son) and amateur Matt Clarke who shared top spot with six under par 65s.

Although they share the spoils, Lawrie won the third spot for The Dumbarnie final by virtue of a countback.

Incredibly both had same back nine, same last six holes, same last three holes and same 18th hole.

Therefore the round went to a sudden death card play off from the first which Craig won at the fifth extra hole.

Last week’s winner Mcleary, from Springlfield, who has a long association with Leven Golfing Society, finished third.

Organiser Alan Tait said: “Given the brutal weather for the majority of the 10 days at Montrose, I was astonished to get nearly 70 players.

“I said to Montrose Links pro Jason Boyd at the start I would be delighted to get 40 or so players when I saw the long term forecast.

“It just proves yet again, the appetite the players have to get competitive again.

“To have a former Open Champion’s son win one of the events is a wee bit of an added bonus and Craig Lawrie will be a fantastic addition to the Grand Final at Dumbarnie Links in October.”

The event winner said he was delighted to book his place at Dumbarnie.

Lawrie said: “I played really solid on the day, hitting every green in regulation. Huge thanks to big Taity for organising the events. They are a great way to get back competing again.”