Young Stars look to Outshine Famous Fathers in BP Scottish Boys Championship - 31st Mar 2004

Two talented youngsters will this week look to outshine their famous golfing fathers when they line up in the BP Scottish Boys Championship at Southerness Golf Club (5 – 10 April).

Daniel Torrance (Sunningdale), the son of former Ryder Cup captain Sam, has ambitions to turn professional this year, so his appearance at Southerness may be one of his last as an amateur.

The fifteen-year-old, who made his national debut in last year’s event at Dunbar, reached the fifth round after a string of excellent performances.

Since then, Daniel, along with dad Sam, has gone on to win the Team Competition at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

Now playing off a handicap of 2.9, young Torrance will begin his quest to lift his first national championship crown when he lines up against Brian Findlay of Machrihanish on the first day of the event.

David Weir (Cowal), son of Tartan Tour star Russell, will also line up at Southerness. Fifteen-year-old David will face Danny Thornburn of Turnhouse in his first round clash on Tuesday morning.

With last year’s champion Paul Doherty ineligible to play, there is guaranteed to be a new name on the trophy.

In his final attempt to emulate the success of his brother Steven in the event, Scottish Boys Internationalist Paul O’Hara will begin his quest for the title against Kristopher Harper (Carnoustie). More>>

Other Scotland boy caps playing in the championship include– David Addison, Scott Borrowman, Scott Henry, Euan Polson and last year’s Scottish Boys beaten finalist Garry Wood. Polson, Wood and Addison are all in action on the first day, while Borrowman and Henry will have to wait until Tuesday before launching their bid for the title.

Won in previous years by leading Scot and former Ryder Cup player Andrew Coltart, the championship is one of the Scottish Golf Union’s flagship events.

This year’s event is being sponsored by BP for the fourth year of a five-year deal with the Scottish Golf Union and attracted nearly 300 entries. The ballot was made at 6.6.

The format is match play with the semi finals taking place on Friday 9th April and the 36 hole final being held the following day.

FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT THE SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP (PAST AND PRESENT)

·The first Scottish Boys Championship was held in 1935 at North Berwick when it was one by D Blair, a member at the host club
·Since 1935 the Scottish Boys has been held at five venues – North Berwick, Dunbar, West Kilbride, Royal Aberdeen and Murcar.
·This year will be the first time the championship has been held at Southerness.
·Previous winners include legendary amateur Ronnie Shade and European Tour star Andrew Coltart.
·Steven Young from Inverallochy is the only player in the championship’s history to win three successive titles. He recorded them in 1993, 1994 and 1995
·The youngest competitor in the 2004 field is Mark Bookless from Sandyhills who turned thirteen last April, whilst the oldest is Lee Hughes who was 18 on 7th January this year
·Five sets of brothers are playing in the championship this year. They are Alexander and Michael Main of Kirkcaldy, Andrew and Christopher Munro of Westhill, Jamie and Stephen Neilson of Dunbar and Craig and Finlay White of Crieff.
·One set of twins will also be competing- Michael and Keith Spence of Kintore.

Related Links

• http://www.scottishgolfunion.org

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