Tait baffled as ‘moaners’ fail to give Tour full backing

ALAN Tait, the driving force behind the Optical Express Pro Golf Tour, is determined to get to the bottom of why interest in the Scottish-based circuit has failed to meet expectations this year.

The penultimate event on the 2011 schedule tees off today at Irvine (Bogside), with the top 24 on the order of merit at the end of that progressing to a Tour Final at Son Gaul in Mallorca later in the year.

While pleased with the “good feedback” from the players who have supported the circuit, Tait, the tournament director, told The Scotsman he has been “disappointed” with the field sizes.

“We fully expected to get 60-70 competitors per event given the fact we were offering a guaranteed prize fund of £8000 and the fact that the top 24 would qualify to play in an all-expenses paid Tour Final,” he said.

“The average size field we have been getting is just over 40. I don’t understand it as a majority of pros in Scotland have moaned that there has not been as much opportunity to play in Scotland in recent years due to the recession.

“I was sure that the six events we provided would help fill the gaps and keep the guys playing throughout the season. I will be seeking advice from all the Tour members to see what their suggestions are to increase the numbers going forward.

“I need to know if it is a cost issue, the venues or other reasons that we are not getting more players. On a positive note, the ones that have supported the Tour have all enjoyed it and we have had a good mix of lady pros, amateurs, assistant pros and have even had a few from south of the Border come up and play.”

The circuit teed off at Stranraer back in May and has since visited Hilton Park, Westerwood, The Roxburghe and Whitekirk, the latter having replaced Letham Grange as the venue for the fifth event last month.

Three of the five events have been won by Paul McKechnie, who is guaranteed to win the Order of Merit with earnings of £5377. He is not in the field at Irvine (Bogside) but only because he’s partnering David Orr in the PGA Fourball Championship at Forest Pines this week.

“The Tour has been great for me and I have really enjoyed playing in the events. It is well run by Alan Tait and Nigel Scott-Smith and their efforts should be recognised as they are trying to provide another opportunity for top pros and amateurs in Scotland,” said McKechnie, who is attached to Braid Hills.

“Alan and Nigel both played at a top level in Scotland and they know how important it is to keep playing at a competitive level.”

The field for this week’s 36-hole event includes former European No 1 Ronan Rafferty, as well as Paul Affleck, another former European Tour winner. Heading the home challenge is Greig Hutcheon, last year’s Tartan Tour No 1.