Wright wins first Tartan Tour event in style

broke his duck in Tartan Tour Order of Merit events by winning the first Optical Express-sponsored tournament to be staged under the management of the PGA in Scotland.

The 30-year-old completed a wire-to-wire victory in Ayrshire after closing with a 71 for an 11-under-par total of 205, two better than second-placed Greig Hutcheon.

“It’s a nice way to start the season,” admitted Wright, who had opened his title bid in the £10,500 event with a blistering 63 but was only one shot clear of Hutcheon heading into the final round.

“This is my first Tartan Tour Order of Merit win. It’s nice to get that under my belt, especially in the quality of field here this week.”

For the third day running, the West Linton player got his round off to a flying start, picking up three birdies in the first five holes. At 13-under, he led Hutcheon by five shots at the turn, but the 2010 Northern Open champion had closed the gap to just two with just three holes to play.

Hutcheon had a chance to pile the pressure on the leader at the last but missed a 15-foot birdie putt, signing off with a level-par 72.

“This is one of the best fields we’ll have on the Tartan Tour this year,” added Wright, who picked up a cheque for £1750, with Hutcheon having to be content with a £1300 runner-up prize.

Chris Doak (70) and Andrew McArthur (71) shared third spot on 208, while Callum Macaulay shot a best-of-the day 65 to climb into a share of seventh on 212.