Golf: DJ spins off course with a bogey 7

ARCHERFIELD ace DJ Russell bemoaned a freak shot for wrecking his title charge in the Cleveland Golf/Srixon Scottish Senior Open at Fairmont St Andrews.

The Englishman was bang in contention for a second win of the season on the European Senior Tour when he arrived at the 12th hole on the Torrance Course at four-under for the tournament. But a doubley- bogey 7 halted Russell in his tracks and he eventually finished in a tie for fourth as compatriot Barry Lane lifted the title.

"I played a chip with a 7-iron that went 230 yards downwind after hitting off a slope and ended up in a ditch," said Russell, who designed the two courses at Archerfield and now lives there. "I tried to play it out of there but the ball ended up back in the ditch and, after taking an unplayable lie, I finished up with a 7."

After racing to the turn in two-under 34, Russell was sharing the lead with Lane and defending champion Glenn Ralph. But, with that double-bogey being sandwiched by further dropped shots at the 11th, 13th, 14th and 15th, his chance of glory was gone.

After signing for a closing 76 and a one-over total - five behind Lane - he added: "I was delighted to reach the turn in 34 but it could have been even better. I didn't hit it that badly on the back nine and I don't understand why I scored so badly."

Russell was also pleased to hear the glowing praise from players and officials alike in the wake of last week's Aberdeen Ladies' Scottish Open at Archerfield.

"What has been created there over the last six years has been amazing and we are striving to get it better and better," he said. "It's always nice to hear it when players of the highest calibre say they've enjoyed one of your courses and the Fidra course is a good example that you don't need length to create a good test of golf."

As former Ryder Cup player Lane recorded a first over-50s win at just his fourth attempt, Kings Acre's Andrew Oldcorn finished in the top 20.

A closing birdie gave him a 76, tying for 19th with former Ryder Cup captains Sam Torrance and Ian Woosnam, amongst others, on 223, seven-over.

Former Musselburgh professional Fraser Mann tied for 58th on 232 after he signed off with a 76.