Golf: Mark Kerr feels like 'fish out of water' after final heartache

The Murrayfield man missed out on his first big win in the paid ranks after a closing 73, finishing six shots behind playing partners Andrew McArthur and Kenny Ferrie.

But Kerr was buoyed by a last-hole birdie that earned him a share of fifth spot in the inaugural event hosted by the 1999 Open champion.

"I felt like a fish out of water," he said of playing with former European Open winner Ferrie and McArthur, who was also playing on the European Tour last season.

"I'm not used to in that situation but Kenny and Andy are as they're full-time Tour pros."

Kerr's chances of winning the 4000 top prize disappeared pretty quickly.

After being in two bunkers as he dropped a shot at the first, he then pushed his approach at the second out of bounds and ran up a double-bogey 6.

"After finding myself four-over through five I was thinking, 'gee whizz this is going to be the explosion of all explosions'. But I was proud of myself as I didn't give in and it was particularly pleasing to finish with a nice birdie.

"To be honest, I discovered that both Kenny and Andy are a level above me at the moment.

"But I want to get there, too, and I learnt a lot from them out there."

McArthur claimed the title after winning a marathon play-off at the sixth extra hole.