Golf: Club course bears fruit for proud Bowden

EUAN BOWDEN, who had a handicap of 24 when he joined the clubgolf programme five years ago, was one of the Lothians players still standing as the Scottish Boys Championship reached the last-32 stage at West Kilbride this morning.

Still 14 and playing in the event for the first time, the Glen player won two matches yesterday, beating Millport's Craig Pirie 3 and 2 in the morning before earning his place in the fourth round – and a clash this morning against Troon Welbeck's Callum Beveridge – with a similar victory over Ben Kinsley of St Andrews.

"While I had played golf before starting to receive the clubgolf coaching – Martyn Huish (the North Berwick professional] took us for coaching sessions up at Heriot-Watt in the winter – there's no doubt whatsoever that has made a big difference to my game," said Bowden.

Like Bowden, Craigmillar Park's Willem Kerr has exceeded his expectations this week and today he was up against Jack McDonald, the pre-tournament favourite. Three up with four to play in his third-round match, Kerr suffered a wobble as he lost the 15th, 16th and 17th before recovering his composure in the nick of time to hole a six-foot par putt at the last and then watch his opponent, Mount Ellen's Nicky Clenaghan, miss from half that distance to take the match up the 19th.

Having not been taken beyond the 15th hole in his opening three matches, Liberton's Anthony Blaney would have been sharing that sentiment as he set out in the fourth round against Clober's Gavin Roger.

Craigielaw were still double-fisted at the end of day three, with Grant Forrest and Ewen Donaldson the players flying the flag for the East Lothian club.

Forrest reckoned a lucky half at the ninth was the turning point as he beat Invergordon's Lyle McAlpine by 2 and 1.

Donaldson, meanwhile, ended the brave run of Tantallon's Callum Hill after he'd beaten his namesake from Muckhart in a morning match.

Simon Fairburn, another Craigielaw member but playing out of Torwoodlee this week, was also through to the fourth round.