Andrew becomes youngest winner of Fort Augustus Gentlemen’s Open

Sixteen year old Andrew Gilchrist became the first junior to win Fort Augustus’s Gentleman’s Open this summer with a gross score of 73 and a net of 64.

Second place in the event was a senior player from the Muir of Ord Golf Club with a gross 76 and net 71.

The competition was sponsored by Ned & Kathryn Ross from the Bothy Restaurant and Bar Fort Augustus.

Andrew, who at the time had a handicap of nine which he has now reduced to seven, has been a member of the club for the last few years and in 2005 was invited to play in the competitions.

“The club has been around for 100 years or so and it’s never had a junior winner so to be the youngest winner is fantastic,” said a delighted Andrew.

“It was the biggest tournament I’ve ever won, the course was set up perfectly by the green keeper Nick Callow. It was a perfect event.

“The members have all helped me along with my golf over the last couple of years so they’re happy to see the results.”

Andrew is working improving his golf, with the intention of playing in bigger events next season. He is also helping the local Active Schools Co-ordinator, Matthew MacIver, introduce the local children to golf through the national junior golf programme, clubgolf.

“I’ve been doing a lot of coaching with Matthew in school and I really enjoy it,” said Andrew. “The kids know I’ve won it and they do have a bit of respect.”

Said Club Secretary, Karen Callow: “Andrew has gone from strength to strength with his golf over the last couple of years. We’ve never had a teenager win it and all at the club are very proud of his achievement at the open."