THE OLD COURSE at Lossiemouth was tamed at the weekend in a classic tale of a Scotsman, Irishman and an Englishman – with a guy from Oz thrown in for good measure.
It was the Englishman who came out top in this tale, Marco Penge emerging as winner of the Carrick Neill Scottish Open Stroke Play title at the Moray Golf Club.
Penge went into the final round with eight under par – but had to contend not only with the blustery conditions but very real challenges from Walker Cup squad member Graeme Robertson from Glenbervie and another Walker Cup squad man, Ireland’s Cormac Sharvin.
Earlier in the weekend it was an Australian who tamed the Lossiemouth course as on Saturday Lucas Herbert shot a 65 – a record on the recently enhanced links.
The glory went to Penge however, the 17-year-old scoring an Eagle at the par-5 17th in his final round to clinch the single stroke win over Robertson.
“I played in similar weather at the Irish Amateur – so I guess I’m used to it,” Penge said after completing his final round with a two-over par 73 to clinch the championship. He added: “I actually feel I like these conditions as it makes you battle and keep your head mentally.
“It is my first win at Men’s amateur level, so I am progressing. Playing in the Walker Cup was my goal at the start of the season so hopefully I have given the selectors something to think about.”