Gleneagles, the world-famous Scottish hotel and sporting estate, served up one of the most dramatic finishes in the history of its annual International Pro Am, as two of Scotland's finest up-and-coming golfing talents battled for the prestigious 2019 title.
Fresh from his victory at the EuroPro Scottish Masters the previous week, Daniel Young, and Gleneagles' own PGA Professional, Tom Higson (winner of the International Pro Am for the last two years), went head-to-head on all three tournament days, with Young emerging victorious, and claiming the £8,000 prize, after a dramatic two-hole sudden-death play-off.
In perfect conditions on Day One, Young carded a spectacular nine-under-par 63 on the Jack Nicklaus-designed PGA Centenary Course, host venue for next month's Solheim Cup, with Higson recording a five-under 63 on The Queen's.
Day Two saw an exact reversal, with Higson recording -9 on The PGA Centenary Course, and Young a -5 on The Queen's. Both then returned one-over-par 71s on the final day's play on The King’s Course, to reach their incredible stalemate.
Gary Silcock, Director of Golf at Gleneagles, said: "Here were two professionals in the best form of their lives, playing world-class golf across our immaculate championship golf courses at Gleneagles. There was no better way to celebrate this very special four-day event that is quickly becoming one of Europe's finest Pro Ams."
In a field rich with professional golfing talent, including Gleneagles golf ambassador, Calum Hill, fresh from his Challenge Tour win at The Euram Bank Open and joint 26th place in the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open and female ambassador, Hannah McCook, golfing amateurs enjoyed a festival-style atmosphere.
Twenty-three teams of four, which included entries from Azerbaijan, Aruba, the United Arab Emirates, USA, Spain and the home countries, played for a prize fund of £30,000, a 60% increase from 2018.
Guests enjoyed a tournament that blended golf with luxury accommodation in the award-winning Gleneagles Hotel, currently ranked the #1 Golf Resort in UK & Ireland by Golf World Magazine, with some of Scotland's finest food and beverage experiences.
Gary added: "Always played the week after The Open, we use our International Pro Am to celebrate everything that is special about golf, Gleneagles and Scotland. In a year in which we have celebrated the centenary of The King's and The Queen's courses, and the forthcoming staging of The Solheim Cup, it was fitting to have such a memorable and enjoyable climax for our guests and their pros."
Bookings are already being taken for the 2020 International Pro Am, July 21-24. Golfers seeking to secure a team should contact Gleneagles Resort Sales on (UK) 0800 704 705 or 01764 662231. Alternatively, email: resort.sales@gleneagles.com
For further information about Gleneagles, visit: www.gleneagles.com
ENDS
Picture captions:
- Eventual winner, Daniel Young, plays his approach into the 1st hole on The King’s Course, during a tense play-off with Gleneagles PGA Golf Professional, Tom Higson.
- Gleneagles’ own, Tom Higson (right) - a two-time winner of The International Pro Am, congratulates Daniel on his 2019 play-off victory.
- Gleneagles’ Director of Golf, Gary Silcock (right), congratulates the winning team, receiving the Silver Tassie Trophy, of (from the left) PGA Professional Daniel Young, Mark Kummerer and Martin Maher. The fourth team member, Brian McCulloch, was not present for the photograph.
- Four days of golf and world-class hospitality, set in the incredible surrounding of Gleneagles, seen here from the 1st hole of The PGA Centenary Course.
For more information please contact:
John McKenzie
Landmark Golf Marketing & Communications
+44 (0)1780 723056
john@landmark-media.com
About The Gleneagles Hotel
An iconic country estate set beneath the beautiful Ochil Hills, The Gleneagles Hotel has been a luxury destination for nearly a century. Located just one hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh airports and with its own railway station, Gleneagles offers the perfect retreat for those looking for relaxation, fun and adventure.
Three championship courses have established Gleneagles’ reputation as a golfer’s paradise but the hotel offers so much more than golf. The 850-acre estate epitomises the natural beauty for which Scotland is famed and offers guests a glorious playground of country pursuits and activities.
Whether you come to fly a Harris’ Hawk, ride horses, play tennis, go off-roading, train gundogs, shoot game, fish, enjoy Michelin-starred dining, or relax in an award-winning spa, Gleneagles offers a world of unforgettable experiences.
www.gleneagles.com