Scotland’s Golf Coast announce champion of first Saltire Trophy
Scotland’s Golf Coast have crowned James Freeman champion of the first-ever Saltire Trophy.
The 15-handicapper from Mortonhall fended off stiff competition over four days on Scotland’s finest links courses, in the face of challenging East Lothian weather conditions.
Freeman finished his final round at the Renaissance Club with a score of 112 Stabelford points, holding on to his slim advantage over 2nd place Paul McKendry and 3rd place Oliver Shaw.
The first round took place on Gullane No.1, with the leader after that round Paul McKendry of Craigelaw with 44 points.
The leading lady was Kay Wright of Mortonhall with 32 points, who went on to become the Ladies’ Champion of the whole competition.
Day two was hosted at Longniddry Golf Club, with Freeman holding a three point advantage over the rest of the field by the end of play.
The third round was affected by high winds at Dunbar on Thursday, and had to be abandoned after nine holes, so the positions were not altered for the last day.
The Renaissance Club played host to the final day, and it was here that one of the competitiors, Jim Lauder of Cowglen Golf Club in Glasgow, achieved his ambition of playing every golf course in Scotland.
The Scotland’s Golf Coast Festival programme commenced on Sunday 18th October with a 9-hole Challenge Warm up on Gifford Golf Club’s beautiful 9-hole course followed by a Welcome Reception at Ducks Inn, Aberlady that evening.
The Saltire Trophy is what everyone was playing for during the Festival – open to all amateur golfers, this 72-hole Stableford tournament was played over four inspiring links courses offering players the opportunity to extend their golf into the Autumn months in one of the finest golfing destinations in the world.
