Jamie Mcleary delighted to take second Get Back to Golf prize

McLeary, from Springfield, is competing on the new Scottish tour which sees amateurs and professionals complete a competition round on a designated course within 10 days before submitting their card to organisers.

It teed off its opening round at Crail recently before moving on to Murrayshall.

And McLeary, who has played on the European and Challenge tours, came up trumps, his 7 under par 66 seeing him tie for first with Tom Higson who won the opening event in Crail.

Although they share the spoils, McLeary won the second spot for The Dumbarnie Final in October by virtue of a better inward half (4 under 32).

Afterwards the local golfer praised the tour and said it was a terrific incentive for players.

“I think the tour is a great initiative to get some competitive golf for a bunch of guys who wouldn’t have got an opportunity to play any competitive golf this season,” he said.

“Being able to play a round of golf with your mates on some of the best courses in the country for much less than the green fee is a great incentive for the amateur players.

“The fact that it’s spread out over a period of 10 days allows you to work it into your schedule so much easier than it being only one day.

“As for my round I played on a beautiful Wednesday evening with glorious sunshine and no wind which allowed me to hit every green.

“Didn’t hole any putts of note but seven birdies and no bogeys is always nice.

“Looking forward to playing the rest of the events.”

Organiser Alan Tait, who played in the event himself and finished just a shot behind the winners, is delighted with how well received the new tour has been amongst golfers.

He said: “Another great success with 96 players in the field following on from the 93 who took part at Crail.

“It was also great to see some of the Europro lads taking part who have had virtually nothing to play in all year.

“Murrayshall was in fantastic condition, especially after the horrendous storm that hit Scotland halfway through the week.

“I was personally delighted to get a few birdies myself and get up there near the top of the leaderboard.

“Life in the old dog yet as they say!

“Looking forward to heading north next week to wonderful Montrose Links, one of my favourites in Scotland.”

The next event at Montrose runs until September 8 before heading to Duddingston on September 9.