Former pro Laurie seals National success
With a blemish-free opening round, Gog Magog greenkeeper Laurie Owen was a cut about the field.
BIGGA National champion Laurie Owen joked that he "would have tried a bit harder" if he had known a course record was within touching distance.
The Old Course supervisor at Gog Magog Golf Club in Cambridge shot a bogey-free 64 at Royal Burgess to sign for what could be the lowest first round in the history of the event.
After coming up just one stroke shy of the course record, former professional Laurie said: "I didn't know that. If I had known, I would have tried a bit harder!
"It was pretty special - 64, bogey free. It felt easy. Obviously it isn't easy, but it was nice to put one of those rounds in."
Laurie shot 72 in tougher conditions at Bruntsfield Links to finish six under across the two days, five shots better off than his nearest rival, and his display underlined the quality of a player who once plied his trade in the professional game.
"I used to play professionally, but I gave that up because I wasn't enjoying it," he said. "I was playing on the Alps Tour, but the professional life wasn't for me so I went back to doing what I enjoy, which is greenkeeping. Now I'm back enjoying my golf and enjoying my life."
Reflecting on the experience at two of the oldest golf clubs in the world, where 75 competitors – including seven former BIGGA National winners – took part, Laurie added: "It's been a great couple of days. We've had a lot of good fun, met a lot of new people, just really happy to be here and come away with the trophy.
"It's been brilliant and it's always good to see new faces. We're all in the same boat when it comes to the greenkeeping, so it's brilliant to get everyone together, playing golf days like this."
Having laid down a marker, Laurie confirmed he will be back to defend his title in 2025, when the BIGGA National heads to Royal Liverpool and Wallasey.
"That'll be pretty special," he said. "It's two courses I've never played before. Very historic with The Open. Can't wait to be up there next year and hopefully have another couple of good days and enjoy the golf."
Results
BIGGA National Championship Challenge Trophy
1 Laurie Owen, Gog Magog 64, 72 = 136 (-6)
2 Harri Matthews, Aldersey Green 68, 73 = 141 (-1)
3 Euan Bogle, Stirling 67, 75 = 142 (L)
4 David Simpson, Crieff 71, 74 = 145 (+3)
T5 Craig Davidson, Mortonhall 74, 72 = 146 (+4)
T5 Benn McLeod, Musselburgh 70, 76 = 146 (+4)
BIGGA National Championship Challenge Cup
1 Richard Bailey, Queenwood 42, 34 = 76
2 Jack Cornes, The Mere 38, 35 = 73 (CPO)
Affiliate
Robert Cooper, Temple Newsam and Roundhay 37, 25 = 62
BIGGA National Championship Regional Cup
Scotland & Northern Ireland: Euan Bogle, Stirling; John Stuart, Newmachar; Paul Teviotdale, Montrose Links; Darren Shaw, Auchmill
Senior Prize
Darren Shaw, Auchmill 40, 32 = 72
Daily Prizes
Day 1 Cat 1 Euan Bogle, Stirling 41
Day 1 Cat 2 Richard Bailey, Queenwood 42
Day 1 Cat 3 Mark Hudson, Wath 38
Day 2 Cat 1 Jack Cornes, The Mere 38
Day 2 Cat 2 Richard Bailey, Queenwood 34
Day 2 Cat 3 David Fellows, Cocks Moors Woods 36
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