Andrew Coltart recalls his key win over Stuart Bannerman

In the first of a week-long series, Andrew Coltart reflects on his 1987 victory in the Scottish Boys' Championship at Dunbar, venue for next week's event:

THE Scottish Boys' Championship was the biggest event on the junior calendar. Unfortunately, it was played at the very beginning of the season, often in very difficult conditions.

Dunbar hadn't been the best hunting ground for me, having already been knocked out in the first round three times. However, 1987 was a different year for me. It was probably the year I matured enough to be effectively competitive. I fought my way through to the 36-hole final against Stuart Bannerman, a boys' internationalist and the son of Harry Bannerman the former Ryder Cup player. On paper, it was probably a mismatch but, at that time, I didn't bother what credentials anyone possessed. I just played.

I think I was a couple of holes down at lunch. That gave me a chance to attack and he possibly was a bit more defensive. I remember hitting what is still one of the best 4-irons of my life at the 36th hole when we were all square on to the middle of the green to 12 feet.

Stuart salvaged a par from off the front of the green. I couldn't convert my putt but, on in two at the par-5 37th, that was too much for Bannerman and I won my first major!

It was a defining moment in my career as I went on to play internationals at all levels for the next five years. It will be with me forever and was effectively the beginning of my golfing career.