Sign up for our daily newsletter

Latest news, reviews, analysis and opinion, plus unmissable deals for bunkered subscriptions, events, and our commercial partners.

Englishman Andrew Johnston stormed to a three-shot victory to claim the Scottish Hydro Challenge in Aviemore yesterday.

The 25-year-old was untouchable as he provided the performance of a champion, carding a five under-par 66 which included an eagle at the par-four second hole to leave the rest of the field trailing.

Andrew Johnston began the day with a two-shot lead at Spey Valley. He started with a steady par, and then holed out with a 58-degree wedge from 83 yards at the par-4 second hole, for eagle.

Back to back birdies at the eighth and ninth were followed by two more at the 13 and 14. Johnston dropped a shot at the 17^th after a lost ball, but he couldn’t be beaten.

Andrew Johnston gets off the mark

The win was his first on the Challenge Tour, and he closed out his first victory with clinical precision.

This is why we do what we do, for moments like that.” – Andrew Johnston

“I’m so happy,” said the Londoner, who picked up a cheque for €40,000, moving to third in the Challenge Tour Rankings.

“I wanted to get off to a good start and I thought if I got to one under after three or four holes that would be good, but I was delighted with that eagle.

“I really enjoyed myself out there but you have to. This is why we do what we do, for moments like that. I knew if I didn’t make any mistakes I would be close but Moritz was giving me a hard time on the back nine and I thought, ‘Just keep playing your game and stay in there’.

“It’s such a nice feeling to have a little putt for a win. You watch other people do it every week and you want to do it so it was great to finally do it.”

Scots in the field

The highest placed Scots after round four were Greig Hutcheon and Paul Mckechnie in 20^th spot with a total of 10-under. David Law was the third and final Scotsman inside the top-30 after he finished eight-under-par, and in 29^th place.