Alfred Dunhill Schools Challenge winners

FROM THE COURIER AND ADVERTISER WEBSITE
By CRAIG McMANAMAN
Monster putts, a 50-yard chip-in and buckets of talent ensured the Alfred Dunhill Schools Challenge was a day to remember.
On the Kittocks Course at the Fairmont St Andrews, Robbie Spriddle (15), from Dunfermline High School, shot a 74 for the score of the day and the overall scratch prize.
He said, "I am delighted I managed to hold things together enough to win."
A 30ft putt gave senior boys winner Sean Gallacher (15), from Craigie High School, Dundee, one of the shots of the tournament and his only birdie.
In one of the most consistent rounds of the day, Sean scored a net of 69 off his handicap of 10. He said, "It was a 30ft putt that won it and that's a special memory."

Having shot a hole in one in his first men's competition this season Niall McMullen (12), from Lochgelly High School, was looking for more success in his first outing in the schools challenge. He did just that — despite never having had a lesson in his life, his natural skill saw him score two more holes in one.

Three birdies gave Niall a net score of 69, off a handicap of seven, which was enough to win the junior boys' division. He said, "It has been an amazing day. I have played in other events but this one has been the most enjoyable."

Two familiar faces shared the senior girls' title, with defending champion Nicola Taylor (16), from Kirkcaldy High School, sharing the honour with last year's champion Jessica Meek (16), of Carnoustie High School.

Both had a net score of 78, with Nicola playing off a six handicap and Jessica playing off a four. In July, Jessica represented Scotland in Hungary at the European Young Masters and won a place in the final of the Scottish Ladies secondarey competition (Clark Rosebowl).

She said, "I try and emulate Rory McIlroy who doesn't go for sheer power but has a really nice swing that has a real elegance to it."

Nicola saw a significant improvement in her handicap, down from last year's 11. She said, "It is a real honour to retain the title in such a prestigious competition."

After solid performances in the Scottish under-16 and under-18 championships Lauren Whyte (14), from Madras College, St Andrews, produced her best performance of the season to win the junior girls' division with a net 77, playing off a five handicap.

All the winners were invited to receive their schools challenge prizes at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship welcome reception.