Golf: Amateur trio bid for EuroPro Tour cards

Also taking part in the 54-hole event over the Blue and Red courses at the Oxfordshire venue are Drumpellier’s Graham Rankin, who played on the same winning Walker Cup team as Luke Donald and Paul Casey at Nairn in 1999, and Paul Lawrie’s oldest son, Craig.

In an event featuring 240 players, their first aim is to be among the top 80 after two rounds before the final 18 holes determine rankings for the third-tier circuit this season, which includes events at four Scottish venues – Montrose Links, The Carrick, Royal Burgess and Mar Hall.

McDonald, McCook secure Uni titles

VARSITY GOLF: Jack McDonald and Hannah McCook secured a Stirling double in the Scottish Student Championships at Moray Golf Club in Lossiemouth.

McDonald, last year’s SGU Order of Merit winner, claimed the men’s title with a 72-hole total of 276, closing with a level-par 71 to finish three shots ahead of team-mate and defending champion Mathias Eggenberger.

McDonald opened with a 67 and followed up with scores of 70 and 68 to take a two-shot advantage over Eggenberger into the final round.

McCook also emerged as a worthy winner in the women’s event, firing a four-under-par final round of 72 for a 12-under-par total of 284 and a similar three-shot victory, over another Stirling player, Eilidh Briggs. McCook’s earlier efforts were

73, 67 and 72.

Loretto lift fourth ISGA Home crown

SCHOOLS’ GOLF: Loretto recorded a fourth title triumph in the Independent Schools Home Internationals at Worplesdon in Surrey.

Nine shots clear after the opening round, Loretto posted an aggregate of 451 to win by 12 shots from Ireland’s representatives Campbell College. Haberdashers Askes, flying the flag for England, finished third on 472, with Welsh side Monmouth bringing up the rear on 504.

“Nearly all of the players improved on their first-day scores, but Loretto held their nerve to come out on top,” said David Quin, of the Independent Schools Golf Association.

Michael Hirmer led the way for Loretto with a two-round total of 145, although he was pipped for the top player award by William Aldred (Haberdashers Askes) on 143.