Golf: Knowles praises team for fine fightback in Conwy

Published on Friday 3 July 2009 10:00

SKIPPER Scott Knowles hailed the performance as "fantastic" after watching Scotland stage a stunning fightback to reach the semi-finals of the European Team Championship at Conwy.

The Scots lost the morning foursomes 2-0 to Sweden but, digging deep into their reserves, they produced an outstanding display in the singles to win 4-3.

Gavin Dear led the way, bagging eagles and birdies, to win 2 and 1 before fellow Eisenhower Trophy winner Wallace Booth won the last two holes in his match to triumph on the last green.

Michael Stewart was unlucky to lose by one hole after his opponent birdied three of the last five, but Paul O'Hara and Ross Kellet came up trumps at the bottom of the order.

O'Hara was always in control, notching five birdies to win 4 and 3, while Kellet holed the winning putt on the last green from three feet to win by one hole.

"It was a disappointing start in the foursomes but the guys were fired up for the singles and produced a great display," said Knowles.

Looking ahead to a semi-final clash today with Italy, he added: "It will be another tough game, but it is one we are looking forward to."