Higson thrilled to win on home soil

Aspiring European Tour player Tom takes individual spoils in Gleneagles Pro-Am

By Chris Johnston

A Gleneagles golf professional, with aspirations of becoming a tour player, took the individual title at the second Gleneagles International Pro-Am.

Tom Higson, a professional golfer who has worked in the hotel’s Dormy Clubhouse since 2014 while studying for his PGA qualification, romped to an emphatic nine-shot victory over fellow Gleneagles pro Calum Lawson.

“I’ve won pro-ams all over the globe, from America to Asia,” said 29-year-old Higson, “but winning on home turf at Gleneagles made this victory particularly special.

“The condition of the courses and the competition atmosphere are fantastic. There’s no other venue in the world that offers the whole package – the world-class facilities, luxury accommodation and five-star hospitality.” 

PRAISE

Former rugby player, Rory Lawson, was amongst the well-known faces amongst the amateurs taking part and the 31-times capped Scotland internationalist was full of praise for the tournament.

“It’s a superb event, showcasing some of the finest golf in Scotland, in one of the most stunning settings,” said the scrum half who retired four years ago.

“Now that my rugby career is over, golf is my new passion and I look forward to returning to Gleneagles next year to be spoilt with another three days of amazing golf, great food and hospitality as well as the fantastic company.”

Golfers from as far afield as Dubai, Russia and Italy participated in the event, which is played across the hotel’s three championship courses. In the team event, Gleneagles’ Calum Lawson led his squad to a resounding victory, finishing on 41-under with a score of 257 Stableford points – enough for a 19-shot win.

Gleneagles’ director of golf Gary Silcock said: “Building on the success of last year’s inaugural pro-am, which was won by Mikael Lundberg, 2017 has seen the event grow in stature, which can be seen by the range of entrants who came from across the world to compete, including another European winner, Emanuele Canonica. We look forward to seeing the same growth of entries for 2018, which will be played the week after the Open Championship at Carnoustie, making our pro-am the perfect ending to a week-long golf break in Scotland.”

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