Connor Graham (Scottish Golf photo)
Connor Graham (Blairgowrie) triumphed in nearly-pristine conditions at Meldrum House to claim the title of 2023 Scottish Men’s Open Champion courtesy of a tremendous final round of 63.
Round one saw the Graham brothers Connor and Gregor dominate the leaderboard, with Gregor off the blocks particularly strongly, carding a 5-under 65. For much of Saturday's second and third rounds, it was Connor who retained the lead, posting 68 (one ahead of Altin Van Der Merwe from South Africa) in a round that saw four birdies.
The weather was on order all weekend as the stunning parkland course was bathed in sunlight and players enjoyed warm and sunny conditions throughout the weekend.
Connor made a storming start to his final round, holing five birdies on the front nine alone. He continued to power on during the back nine, shooting an eagle on the 11th and a birdie on the 16th and 17th to claim victory.
"It feels great – this is the first big amateur win, great to play as well as I did," said Graham, who added: "A key highlight was shooting that 63 to finish, I played really good from start to finish. During the tournament it’s taken a lot of patience, a lot of good shots – that’s my approach to the course. I definitely hit my irons and wedges well this week."
Connor is one of the youngest Men's Open winners and is an ambassador for the Paul Lawrie Foundation.
Runner-up Altin Van Der Merwe from South Africa will also be proud of his efforts throughout the weekend. He posted scores of 68, 66, 69, and 66, which may have been enough on any other day.
"All round I’ve really enjoyed the course, a links course – I was slightly unlucky the wind wasn’t up – I like playing in the wind, but it was still great," said Van Der Merwe. "My short game was really on point this week, [and I was] hitting it straight and solid."
In third place was England’s Zachary Chegwidden. He had a brilliant opening round, with six birdies and a score of 65. His last round saw him come in at -8, after scores of 65, 72, 67 and 68.
ABOUT THE Scottish Open Amateur Stroke Play
The Scottish Men’s Open Amateur Stroke Play
Championship is open to Male Amateur
Golfers
of
all Nationalities. 72-hole stroke play
championship.
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