14/04/12
Craig Howie won the 18th to lead for the first time in the 36-hole final of the Paul Lawrie Foundation Scottish Boys Championship at Murcar Links.
The Peebles youngster went to enjoy his lunch after his par at the 18th proved good enough to give him a slender lead over Ewan Scott from St Andrews.
Scott’s approach shot came up short at the final hole of the morning session and the 16-year-old was unable to make par.
On a very windy but pleasant day in the north-east, an intriguing final unfolded after 256 Under-18 boys had set out for glory at the start of the week.
A healthy crowd followed the action, including Lawrie himself with his two sons, Craig and Michael, and another north-east native, Harry Bannerman, the 1971 Ryder Cup player.
SGU National Boys’ Squad player Scott made the early running, making birdies at the first and third to move two ahead as Howie struggled, making bogeys in five of the first six holes.
The Borderer, 17, won the seventh with a par to his opponent’s bogey, but Scott still led by one at the turn after playing the first nine holes in level par in the tricky conditions.
Howie’s fine birdie at the 13th brought him square, but he was quickly down again after he was bunkered off the tee at the long par-5 14th.
It was a nip and tuck battle and swung Howie’s way again on the 15th when he coaxed home a 10 foot putt after a fine approach from the left rough.
Chances were missed by both players at the 16th and 17th after more quality iron play, before Howie secured the lunchtime advantage at 18.
The match resumes at 1pm with the prize giving to follow.