Graeme Brown wins last event of Optical Express Pro Golf Tour 2011

The last event on the Optical Express Pro Golf Tour 2011 held at Irvine (Bogside) Golf Course on Friday 7th October was won by Montrose Professional Graeme Brown after torrential rain the day before dictated a one day event. Brown posted a best of the day, 3 under par 68, to win by two strokes from The Roxburghe joint winner Neil Fenwick of Dunbar. In much improved conditions Brown carded five birdies to claim the guaranteed £1,500 prize cheque and secure his place at the Championship in Son Gual.

Brown said: “This has been the perfect way to round off my year. It was a shame this event was reduced to one round as it would have been nice to win over two, however it was the right decision as play was impossible on day one. I played really well and the venue was fantastic for the time of year. I’m now looking forward to the Tour Championship in the winter.”

Tournament Director, Alan Tait, commented: “I was obviously disappointed to arrive at Irvine on Thursday morning to the conditions I did, we had everything from rain, hail and high winds but when the thunder and lightning started, it was an easy decision to make that no play would take place on day one. In fairness to all the competitors, the decision to reduce the event to a one day shoot-out was welcomed by them. I also have to pay massive compliments to Derek Wilson and his green-keeping staff who had the course in fabulous condition given the time of year and the weather that we experienced.”

Winning £150 SGU vouchers as leading amateur for the second consecutive time, Peter Latimer representing The New Club, St Andrews scored a round of 71 to finish an impressive joint third alongside seasoned professionals.

Latimer commented: “I am delighted to be the leading amateur having also done so at Whitekirk and all the more pleased as I opened up with a triple bogey 7 at the first hole! Level par 71 was a great score in the end and I have enjoyed competing with the Pros and hope I will be able to play again next year.”

Between Irvine and Kilwinning on the Scottish coastline, the Irvine Golf Club is an open championship final qualifying course 6408 yards par 71 designed by James Braid.

Host Professional Jim McKinnon said: “The event was a great success despite the weather and it was good to host a Professional Golf Tournament back at Irvine. A few of the members ventured out to watch and I was also delighted at the feedback on the course from my fellow Professionals. I hope we can welcome the OEPGT back in the future.”