Golf: Ross makes it a hat-trick with Matchplay win

Oct 19 2011 by Paul Thomson, East Kilbride News

TORRANCE House Golf Club member Ross Gillan completed a junior treble at the weekend after claiming the Lanarkshire Boys Matchplay Championship for 2011.

The 18-year-old, from St Leonards, beat Jordan Bryce of Strathaven 2/1 in the final at Hamilton Golf Club on Saturday.

And his latest victory adds to the Torrance House Junior Club Championship and Junior Open titles he won earlier this year.

But after a close battle at the weekend, Ross admitted he almost let victory slip through his fingers.

He told the News: “I started really well and got myself into a good early lead to go three up, but I lost my way a bit and lost four holes on the bounce.

“At one down, it didn’t look good but I picked myself up and holed two birdies in the space of three holes and I never looked back.

“I’ve played Jordan a few times and won comfortably, but it was a lot harder and a lot closer at the weekend.

“I’ve won two titles at Torrance, so it was good to keep the winning run going. But, after being there five years, I’m moving to the Glasgow Counties next year, so it was nice to end my time at the club with another win.”

Ross, who is also a member at Cathkin Braes Golf Club, has been delighted with his form of late and admits it is an ambition of his to follow in the footsteps of fellow EK golfer and Cathkin Braes member Scott Jamieson.

“Scott’s being doing great on the European Tour and it would be great to follow in his footsteps,” Ross admitted.

“But moving to the Glasgow Counties will be my next challenge and I’m playing for Glasgow University as well, so I’ll just need to see where those experiences take me.”