You are here: Home 
News / Events Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship
News / Events Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship
| Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship |
|
REDFORD CROWNED KING OF THE CASTLE Following Redford’s win, the U16 title and trophy returns to King James VI Golf Club in Perthshire for a second consecutive year, as his friend and fellow club mate Sam McLaren won the U16 title last year. The U14 title was also won by a King James VI player last year, Paul McPhee who graduated to the U16 tournament this year and was competing in the field today. Redford said, “After Sam and Paul’s win last year, things have certainly blossomed at our club. They have been a great inspiration to me and I would love to follow in Sam’s footsteps and represent Scotland one day.” The 14 year old golfer who hails from Newburgh, in Perthshire comes from strong Scottish sporting stock, and proved today he is as much a sporting sensation as his father, Rangers legend Ian Redford. Redford Junior distinguished his final round with birdies at the 5th and 9th and a third at the 13th. Coached by his father, the three handicapper said, “I was feeling confident all day and knew I was tied for the lead, but when I found out that Law had snagged a bogey at the 17th I knew then that I could do it.” With a 1 shot lead, Redford hit a terrific drive from the 18th, followed by a good wedge, then chip up to the green. His putt saw the ball follow the left edge of the rim before slipping in for a par and the title. Redford, a pupil at St Leonards in St Andrews, carded rounds of 71, 76, and 75 for a winning total aggregate of 222 (6 over). Day two leader and national cap David Law finally had to settle for third place tied with Truro’s Billy Downing – winner of the U14 title in 2005 – on 224 (8 over). A sterling performance today from Sebastien Riou saw him clinch the silver medal, awarded to the French player based on his better last round of 71. Riou also finished 8 over. Redford, a year 1 Academy player said after receiving his trophy, “I have worked so hard, it is really fantastic to come here and win this title, great for me and my club of course. I owe my family a lot, this title is really my sign of appreciation to them. He added, “Sometimes it is hard carrying the Redford name, but I really hope one day I can be as successful as my dad.” Watching his son win the Douglas Gillespie U16 title today, Ian Redford senior said, “I am very proud. He stuck to the task over the last three days and it is a great result for him. In golf sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, I am just glad he really enjoys the game. He added, “I would love to see him go all the way if he wants to, but ultimately that will be his career choice not mine, he will drive that not me.” His son already has his sights set on the next task in hand, the Scottish Boys Stroke Play at Cardrona. Ian Junior said, “I am really looking forward to that event and hope I will do well there, but I am told the course is a tough test, but I like a challenge.” The Scottish U16 event celebrated 30 years of support Douglas Gillespie has given to junior golf, marking the longest standing sponsorship deal with the SGU. Gillespie said, “It has been an honour to watch young golfers come through in this event, which will hopefully be a stepping stone to future success. I very much hope to see Ian go on to achieve other titles and possibly a professional career in this great game.” |
Ian Redford was crowned 'king of the castle' this afternoon after he stormed to victory at the Douglas Gillespie Scottish Boys U16 Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship.
Douglas Gillespie Plant Ltd, 26 Woodneuk Road, Darnley Industrial Estate, Glasgow, G53 7RQ - Tel: 0800 027 0313 - Company No: 45887