ST. ANDREWS LINKS TROPHY - Stewart pipped by one for major title

Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) shared runners up spot in the 2008 St. Andrews Links Trophy on Sunday 8th June, being pipped for the title by a single shot by Keir McNicoll (Carnoustie).

Despite playing the Old Course for the first time ever, when he teed up in the second round of the championship on Saturday afternoon, Stewart performed well over the historic links, which culminated with a final round of 69 for a 284 total, which was only bettered in the final round by the eventual champion who recorded a 68 for a total of 283.

The other Ayrshire players to qualify for the final two rounds were the Caprington pair of Steven McEwan and Robert McKnight.

McEwan finished in 27th place on 297 whilst McKnight finished 51st on 304

Leading Scores :-

283 - Keir Mcnicoll (Carnoustie) - 67/71/77/68

284 - Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) 68/71/76/69, Rudy Thuillier (France) 71/72/68/73

285 - Sam Hutsby (Liphook) 71/71/70/73

286 - Rhein Gibson (USA) 71/73/72/70, Ben Westgate (Trevose) 71/69/73/73

Other Ayrshire Scores

294 - Steven McEwan (Caprington) 73/71/77/73

304 - Robert McKnight (Caprington) 74/71/80/79