Young Scot Jack McDonald has led from start to finish in securing a stunning and highly-impressive nine-shot victory in the famed Battle Trophy at Crail Golfing Society in Crail.
After being runner-up a year ago McDonald brilliantly rewrote the 2023 script posting opening scores of 73 and 74 on Saturday and then backed-up on Sunday with rounds of 69 and 70 for a two-under 72-hole victory tally on the 24th anniversary of the event on the Craighead Links course at golf’s seventh oldest club,
Making it more special as this year is also the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Gil Hanse designed Craighead Links layout at golf’s seventh oldest club.
The 21-year-old McDonald led the first-round field by shot and retained his one one-stroke lead following the halfway cut of the leading 40 players later on Saturday.
Sunday dawned sunny but with a biting cold wind, however McDonald seemed right at home being one of just two players to break par over three rounds in signing for a third round three-under 69, and in the process moving a stunning seven strokes clear of his nearest rival, former England International Jack Brooks and with the afternoon last 18 holes to play.
At the end of play late Sunday, McDonald triumphed by an amazing nine strokes from Carnoustie’s Matthew Allan who was second with a seven-over-par 295 tally and one shot clear of Brooks finishing third with a 296 tally.
“There are few courses that can provide such great playing conditions this early in the season,” said a delighted McDonald.
“Last year the wind was out of the west, so to play with an easterly made the course play completely different. It was cold, but great fun.”
And McDonald was full of praise for the Crail greens, and helped by just two three-putts over course of 72 holes.
“It was a treat to putt on these greens”, he said.
A very proud Crail Golfing Society captain Robert Meikle commented: “It is a thrill to see so many of the country’s top amateur golfers travel to Crail and take on the challenge that Craighead Links presents in tournament conditions.
“Jack McDonald is not only a supremely talented golfer but a credit to the Roxburghe, his parents and everyone who has mentored him to get to this level. He joins a growing list of exceptionally gifted golfers to lift our valued trophy and we are all so pleased for him.”
Well said, Robert.
The ultra-talented young Scot last summer won the Tennant Cup at Gailes Links and Glasgow Killermont, and also finished second in the East of Scotland Open at Lundin.