Final chance for Harper to show his progress as a pro

Published on Friday 16 May 2008 10:31

LOTHIANS golfer Lee Harper insisted he would revel in the pressure of competing in the final pairing of the £45,000 Northern Open at Spey Valley.

While Braid Hills pro Paul McKechnie took route 66 into the title race, Archerfield ace Harper fired a three-under 69 for an eight-under aggregate of 208 to share top spot with the 2005 champion Chris Doak, who posted a 70.

Harper, who had been five under for the day until dropped shots at 16 and 18 pushed him pack into the pack, won the Scottish Boys' championship in 1999 and was a winner on the PGA EuroPro Tour last season.

And the 26-year-old reckons if he was to seal victory in the Highlands later today, it would prove he is continuing to make progress in his climb up the career ladder.

He said: "A win here would probably be my biggest achievement. I'm competing against former European Tour players, who have played at the top level and I've done well so far. These are the moments you want to be involved in as a golfer. I've won events at various levels before and now this is a step up to a big 72-holer."

As Harper kept himself on course for the 8000 first prize, McKechnie carved out a best of the week six-under 66 to come roaring up to within two shots of the lead on 210

The former EuroPro Tour player countered a three-putt bogey at 11 with a haul of seven birdies and said: "I've been playing well but not scoring. Yesterday I capitalised on my good shots and that's put me right in there."

Capital ace Andrew Oldcorn slipped off the pace with a 74 for 215 but Craigielaw's Mark Hillson is set to pick up the Bookless Cup – the prize awarded to the top amateur – after a 75 put him in a share of 15th on 219. Hillson decided to miss this weekend's Brabazon Trophy in Cornwall to pit his wits against the Tartan Tour pros and his decision has been justified.

"It's been very worthwhile so far," said the 25-year-old. "It's all great experience for me."