In-form O’Hara sets the pace
02/10/2017
Paul O'Hara is on the trail of another big-money success after making a bright start in the 54-hole Highland Links pro-am.
The Tartan Tour’s unofficial ‘player of the year’ leads the event by one shot after posting an opening round score of four-under par 67.
O’Hara began his first round at Nairn, which is one of three links venue being used for the £55,650 event.
He didn’t get off to the best of starts with a bogey at the second and reached the half-way stage level par on 35. But four birdies on the back nine, including back-to-back birdies at the 17th and 18th saw him finish on 67.
The field of 83 players switches courses every day and it is difficult to assess the chances of the leaders, although O'Hara is off to a flying start.
On the overall par scoreboard, Neil Henderson (Renaissance), who also played Nairn today, is lying second with a three-under par 68.
Greig Hutcheon (Paul Lawrie Golf Centre Inchmarlo) and Gareth Wright (West Linton) were joint leaders with one-under par 69s at Royal Dornoch.
"It was very windy with heavy rain showers at all courses, I'm led to believe,” said Hutcheon. “Many par 4s were tricky 5s! It was a tough day and the weather is to remain pretty tough, I think many teams are already looking forward to the dinner on Wednesday night! A true Highland Links experience.”
At Castle Stuart, the players found the going much tougher with nobody breaking par. Neil Fenwick (Dunbar) and Blairgowrie's Bradley Neil, shared the lead at that venue with level par 72s.
First prize is £8,000 and the top 15 finishers after three rounds will earn four-figure cheques.
Keep up-to-date with the latest scores from the 54-hole Highland Links pro-am by clicking here.
