Golf: Scott Knowles puts pals act high on agenda

SCOTT KNOWLES, a two-time winner of the Evening News Dispatch Trophy with Carrick Knowe, would love to lift the trophy for a third time this year – but more for one of his closest friends than his own personal satisfaction.

Mike Robson has an impressive medal collection from the popular team event up at the Braids but is missing the most important colour of them all – gold.

This year he's in a strong-looking Harrison team with Knowles, Graeme Millar and Andy Laurence and they're determined to end Carrickvale's winning run in an event that is being staged in association with Edinburgh Leisure.

"It would be nice to win it this year, first and foremost for Harrison but also for Mike," said Knowles, the current captain of the Scottish amateur team.

"He's got so many medals from the event but would give anything to finally get his hands on a gold one.

"No-one has more experience of playing up at the Braids than Mike and hopefully this can be the year that he's finally on a winning team."

On paper, Harrison certainly look to have a strong chance of lifting the trophy for the first time since 2000.

"One thing we aren't short of is experience and I'd hate to add up our total age," joked Knowles. "Graeme (with Harrison) and Andy (Riccarton) are also former winners and we should certainly be in with a chance."

Knowles first tasted success in the event with Carrick Knowe in 1999 before repeating the trick five years later. "It would be nice to win it for a third time in my first year in the Harrison team," he said. "What Carrickvale have achieved over the last three years has been incredible, and they're going to be the favourites again this year.

"However, there are a few teams looking to be the ones to end their winning run. We'll certainly be trying our hardest and so, too, will the likes of Silverknowes."

A former Scottish Golfer of the Year, Knowles played in all the top amateur events in his heyday but says he's always had a soft spot for the Dispatch Trophy. "It's a special event and the atmosphere up at the Braids is always fantastic," he said. "It's a shame the entries have dropped in recent years but, like a lot of other people, I'm really looking forward to this year's event."