First Point USA News / Events

Mikhail Swinging in the Rain to Win Scottish Boys U16s Champs

Bondhay’s Mikhail Ishaq is the new firstpointusa Scottish Boys U16s Open Champion after torrential rain washed out the final day’s play at a stormed lashed Glen Golf Club in North Berwick.

The overnight leader played just one hole of his third round before play was halted around 10.45am this morning. With heavy rain overnight and flooded greens, the SGU events team were forced to abandon play at 12.30pm with no further play possible, with the two rounds played so far counting for the final result.

After collecting the trophy, a proud Ishaq said:

“It was horrendous out there this morning. I hit my tee shot at the second and could barely stand up. After two great days on a fantastic golf course it’s a shame but I’m very pleased to win such a prestigious championship.”

The 16-year-old Yorkshire junior team player added: “I love coming up to play in Scotland and just managed to squeeze a practice round on Monday night – I think I was last off the course. There was no real secret to my first two rounds, I just kept it straight and the putts rolled in. Tuesday was the best round of my career so far so hopefully there’s more to come this summer.”

Ishaq’s two round aggregate of 135, five under par, gave him a three-shot victory over Ben Taylor from Walton Heath who took the silver medal, whilst Austrian youngster Matthias Kauffman’s one under par tally of 139 was good enough for the third spot on the podium.

Leading Scot was Shaun Connor, a club mate of European Tour star Alastair Forsyth at Ralston, who finished in joint fourth place on two-over par, alongside Enfield’s Harry Casey. A quartet of Scots ended the championship in a tie for 6th place, with Paul McPhee (King James VI), Scott Gibson (Southerness), Jordyn Rhind (Uphall) and Jack Scott (Deeside) all finishing on 143, three-over par.

Scotland international Scott Henry’s younger brother John was tied 13th alongside local boy Chris Low on four-over par, with Craigielaw’s John Fernandes a shot further back in 17th spot.

Despite the rain, First Point USA’s Managing Director Andrew Kean was delighted with the first event of their new SGU partnership:

“There’s been some fantastic golf on show this week and congratulations to Mikhail for a superb performance over the first two days. The strength in depth of talent in Scotland and the rest of the UK is there for all to see so we’re pleased to be associated with an event such as this.”

“First Point USA have worked with many young golfers over the last few years, including the likes of Callum Macaulay and Daniel Willett, both of whom are playing at Loch Lomond this week, so its great to see that the services we provide are paying off.” he added.

Weather permitting, the Scottish Boys & Girls U14s Championship takes place at Glen GC tomorrow and both organisers and players will be hoping that the rain stays off.

For full results from the 2008 firstpointusa.com Scottish Boys U16s Open Championship, click here.

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