Golf: No time for rest as Patrick picks up clubs to defend title

DAVID PATRICK reckons he'll have to shake off some rust in order to make a successful defence of his Edinburgh & East of Scotland Golf Alliance title at Gullane tomorrow.

The former Walker Cup player, who partners Andrew Oldcorn in the 36-hole event over the No.?2 and No.?3 courses, hasn't had much time to compete over the winter.

"My schedule over the past wee while has been very busy and it has not left any real time to practice," said Elie-based Patrick, who won by three shots at the same venue 12 months ago.

"I have been busy with Fife Golf Association Under-14 and Under-16 Academy players as well as being the short game and performance coach to the boys' and men's squads, which I really enjoy.

"In addition, I am an inaugural member of the bunkered teaching panel which has been great fun. Add my time in at Elie and my individual lessons and the weeks have been flying by."

Haddington's Neil Bain is back to defend his handicap title tomorrow, when the race for the scratch order of merit title will also be decided.

The three players leading the way - Greenburn's Scott Catlin, Chris Morris of Kingsknowe and Houston Driving Range professional Andrew Marshall - are out in the last group on both courses.

Former Scottish PGA champion Gordon Law is also in the field, with Dunbar's Terry Mathieson and Daniel Wood of Eyemouth among the trainees who'll be aiming to make their presence felt on the leaderboard.