Former European Tour pro Greig Hutcheon will next week bid to win one of five PGA Champions Tour cards on offer at the final qualifying stage at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona.
“There is no doubt it’s a week that could be life-changing,” said Greig, a three-time winner on the Challenge Tour.
Greig sealed his place at Scottsdale by finishing ninth of the 17 qualifiers at the first qualifying stage at CasaBlanca, Mesquite in Nevada.
Greig Hutcheon will be one of the youngest competitors
“It’s a fantastic opportunity,” said Greig, “At 49, I’ll be one of the youngest players competing and I fancy my chances.
“I played well at CasaBlanca, but struggled with the speed of the greens in the early stages.
“They were up to 12 on the stimpmeter scalem, which is quicker than anything over here, but fortunately I have played on greens that quick in the past.”
The top five players at Scottsdale will secure full playing rights, but players finishing in the top 30-35 will also earn playing rights.
“It’s all or nothing for me,” added Greig. “The players from sixth to 35th will be given places at final qualifying at each event throughout the season.
“However, I can’t see myself trying to qualify every week, but might give it a shot for the first few tournaments.
“I’m not 50 until March so I will not be eligible to play until then anyway, but I’m really looking forward to next week.
“I had a frustrating year on the European Tour this season and missed the cut by just one shot on four occasions.
“The Champions Tour does not have a cut, so it is definitely more appealing.”
Greig paid tribute to local businessmen Nick Robson (Thistle Windows), Gary Ross (Gym Rental Company), John Muir (Muir Group) and Gary Fraser (Foresight Group), who have sponsored him.
“I’m indebted to these guys. The costs are exorbitant and I would not have been able to do it without them,” added Torphins-based Greig. “For example, the cost of entry to the qualifying school was $3,500 alone.”
The final qualifying stage starts next Tuesday.
Janitor Craig new custodian of Meldrum House championship trophy
Craig Chalmers can scarcely believe he has won a club championship… but he is doubly delighted he clinched it at Meldrum House.
Janitor Craig, 34, who plays off scratch, said: “I never expected to be a club champion at any club, so I am delighted to get my name on the board at Meldrum House.
“It is only my second season at the club and I have loved every minute.
“The course is always in outstanding condition and is a pleasure to play.
“I qualified for the knock-out stages with rounds of 72 and 76 and faced Andrew Sorrie in the first round.
“We both played steady, but I holed a few decent putts at the right time which made the difference for a 3&2 victory.
“The semi-final against Ross Smith was played in really windy conditions.
“It was important not to make mistakes and I only had one bogey after 13 holes winning 6&5.
“The final against Robert O’Donnell was played in some of the worst conditions of the year.
“It was cold with drizzly rain and a 25-30mph wind.
“But I got off to a flying start to be 5up at the turn and increased my lead with a good up and down from the greenside bunker at the ninth to move further ahead.
“I lost the 11th and 12th before we halved the next two holes and I stood on the par three 15th tee requiring a halve for victory.
“It was a brilliant feeling to strike my 8-iron tee-shot to just two feet to clinch the club championship, with a birdie sealing a 6&5 success.
“I don’t set myself too many goals and I’m just looking forward to continuing to enjoy the game.
“I’m happy to have a laugh with my playing partners… that’s what amateur golf should be about!”
Entries open for Carnoustie event
Entries are being accepted for the acclaimed Carnoustie Golf Links‘ Craw’s Nest Tassie.
The week-long tournament will be played on the Championship and Buddon Courses from Monday, May 1 to Saturday, May 6.
The first two rounds are a 36-hole strokeplay qualifying competition over both courses.
The players with the top 64 scores will feature in the scratch Craw’s Nest Tassie knockout event and those with the best 64 nett totals will play in the handicap event for the Maulesbank Trophy.
The remaining 220 players who do not qualify for either competition will play in a consolation tournament.
Entry is £375, which includes a £40 complimentary restaurant voucher.
For more details, telephone 01241 802270.
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