Scottish PGA: Greig Hutcheon uses Deer Park expertise to lead after first round

Three-time winner eyes fourth crown

Greig Hutcheon is leading after the first round of the Scottish PGA. Picture: SNS

Deer Park specialist Greig Hutcheon peppered a round of 66 with half a dozen birdies as he took a first-round lead at the Loch Lomond Whiskies Scottish PGA.

Hutcheon is a three-time winner of the Tartan Tour’s flagship event and can rub shoulders with the likes of Sam Torrance, Bernard Gallacher, John Panton, Eric Brown and Ross Drummond in the pantheon of Scottish PGA multiple champions.

The Torphins man is also well versed in playing the Livingston venue and triumphed there as recently as last month, when he won the Deer Park Masters for a seventh time in his career.

Hutcheon’s six-under par round gave him a one-shot lead over Alastair Forsyth, the Scottish PGA champion in 2000, whose 67 included seven birdies.

Scott Henderson, the runner-up in 2003, is a shot further back in a tie for third place with Ross Cameron and Kyle Godsman.

Andrew Oldcorn is handily placed after a round of 69 left him three off the lead in a group alongside Andrew Crerar, Greg Dalziel, Chris Currie, Graham Fox, Craig Ronald and Ross Munro.

Deer Park is hosting the 72-hole Scottish PGA for the first time since 1990 and the championship will conclude on Friday.