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• South African Amateur champ Daniel Young wins Battle Trophy
• Beats Bradley Neil and Connor Syme by one shot
• David Roy: “It was almost the perfect tournament”

BATTLE TROPHY

Crail Golfing Society’s David Roy has hailed the running of this year’s Battle Trophy which saw South African Amateur champion Daniel Young claim the title at Craighead Links on nine-under par.

The 23-year-old shot a final round of 67 to recover from an eight-shot deficit heading into Sunday afternoon, beating British Amateur champion Bradley Neil and Connor Syme by one shot.

Syme, who was beaten in a play-off by Ewen Ferguson at the Craigmillar Park Open a week earlier, held a four-shot lead over Neil heading into the final round but shot a four-over par 76 to fall just short.

Prior to the tournament, Roy revealed his excitement at assembling the best ever field for the competition and he certainly wasn’t disappointed with how things panned out.

“It was outstanding and the scoring was exceptional” – David Roy

He said: “It was outstanding and the scoring was exceptional. It was a thrill for me doing the presentation and prizes to say that the runner-up was the reigning British Amateur champion and the winner was the reigning South African Amateur champion. That was terrific and it gave me a real kick.

“The members loved it as well and were blown away by how good the guys were; how long they hit it, how well they can hit tiny little greens and how well they can sink long putts. The weather was sublime too, it was almost the perfect tournament.”

British Amateur champion Neil was playing the Battle Trophy just a week after his unforgettable trip to the Masters, and Roy said the 19-year-old should be delighted with his efforts despite just missing out.

He said: “What we were thrilled by was that he really wanted to win the Battle Trophy. He put a lot of work into it. As soon as he came home, he explained to his coach that he’d entered the Battle and even on Friday he was working with his coach to get his game in shape as he was determined to win it.

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“Although he didn’t win, to come runner-up in such a strong field with all the travels, the jetlag and the highs that he’s had, he’s got to be pleased with that when he reflects on it.”

Roy also admired the sportsmanship showed by Syme on the conclusion of his round after a disappointing final round 76. On Saturday morning, the 19-year-old shot an eight-under par 64 – one shot off the course record – and backed that up in the afternoon with a 67 to hold a commanding six-shot lead.

“Connor was the first person to come up and shake Daniel’s hand and say ‘well done’” – Roy

“It’s so great for Scottish golf to have such a good group of young players coming through at the same time and Connor, as soon as he realised he’d been beaten, was the first person to come up and shake Daniel’s hand and say ‘well done’.

“Connor played brilliantly during the first two rounds and he must’ve been gutted but to come up directly afterwards, stay for the presentation and not shuffle off, that’s something golf can be proud of.”

And looking ahead to next year’s Battle Trophy, Roy acknowledges the fact that the field may not be as strong in terms of tournament champions, but says they’re looking forward to it already nonetheless.

He said: “There might not be as many national championship winners in the field next year, but we know we’ll thoroughly enjoy whoever will be in the field!”

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