Golf: Northern success for Craig Lee

Jun 5 2009 by Alan Rennie, Stirling Observer Friday

STIRLING golfer Craig Lee won the Northern Open by five shots last week from Englishman Martyn Haymer at the challenging Spey Valley course in Aviemore.

Lee (32) went into the final round a shot ahead of Edinburgh’s Mark Kerr, who slipped to joint fourth spot after a closing 75. Lee matched his second round score of 68 for a seven-under par four-round total of 281 to see off the opposition.

The winner's cheque for £2,700 will allow Lee to return to Germany to compete in the EPD Tour where he is currently the leading money-winner after triumphing in the first two tournaments of the season.

“I got off to a very good start when I was a wee bit more aggressive than I was in the third round,” said the new champion.

“I took a driver off the first tee, instead of a rescue, and hit it 330 yards. I think I was the only one mad enough to hit driver at the first all week.

“I also hit a great drive up the second and left myself only 25 yards to the pin and at the fifth, with the wind behind me, I hit what I think was a career best 399 yards, and I was four under through five.”

He added: "I picked up a cheque for £15,000 when I finished in 18th position in the Alfred Dunhill in South Africa last season but I think this is one of the most prestigious trophies, along with the Scottish assistants’ championships in 2000, I have ever won.”