John Henry wins Scottish Par 3 Championship

Part-time pro takes title with rounds of 52 and 49

John Henry won by two shots from Chris Robb. Picture: Kenny Smith

John Henry, a part-time professional since November, is the new Scottish Par 3 champion after holding off a talented posse at Paul Lawrie Golf Centre on the outskirts of Aberdeen.

Henry, the younger brother of former European Tour player Scott, shot rounds of 52 and 49 for a seven-under-par total to win the Farmfoods-sponsored event on the new Tartan Pro Tour by two shots from Chris Robb (49-54).

It was the second event running that Challenge Tour card holder Robb was pipped for top spot after losing to Sam Locke in a play-off in the Carnoustie Classic earlier in the month.

Lawrie, who came up with the idea for the new tour and got it up and running through his Five Star Sports Management & Events company, finished on 104 alongside Kieran Cantley, Ross Kellett and Calum Fyfe.

“I’m delighted to get the win,” said Henry, who plays on the PGA EuroPro Tour but was left without any events to play in on the third-tier circuit when its 2020 schedule was scrapped due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“My game has really come on post-lockdown, which has been surprising as I have been working full time – 50 hours per week – with Turner Hire Drive in Glasgow since November and worked through the whole of lockdown with them.

“I started going to see Alan McCloskey last February and, around the start of this season everything was starting to click with my game after having two really poor seasons in 2018 and 2019.”

Henry has done his own bit to try to provide playing opportunities for Scottish-based professionals through the Big Johnsons Tour, so he appreciates what it has taken
for Lawrie to get this new 
circuit off the ground.

“If there’s anyone who is going to get a tour started and supported in Scotland, he’s the man for the job and he should be knighted for his work for Scottish golf,” said Henry.

The Royal Dornoch Masters on 7-8 September is the next event on the Tartan Pro Tour, followed by the Pollok Open on 10-11 September.

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