Caithness quartet set for 2023 Scottish Men’s Amateur Championship
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The 2023 Scottish Men’s Amateur Championship lined up for Royal Dornoch and Tain will feature a strong contingent from the Highlands – including a Caithness quartet.
A 264-strong field will take part in the initial 36-hole stroke play challenge before 64 players head into the matchplay phase in a bid to win one of Scottish Golf’s flagship events.
From August 1-5, the tournament will see the top amateur talents in the country and beyond seeking to follow in the footsteps of past winners who include Colin Montgomerie, Stephen Gallacher and Bob MacIntyre.
Wick members Nicky Klimas and Dougie Thorburn are in the field along with Gregor Munro and Tom Ross (Reay)
Flying the flag for Royal Dornoch are Kevin Matheson, Michael Schinkel, Kristian Sinclair, Alan Murphy and William Short. Fellow members David Strachan (Turnberry) and James Bunch (Prestwick) are joined by UHI student Cameron McGarvie (Prestwick).
Scott Macdougall, Billy Ferries and Sean Kennedy will be on home soil at Tain.
Sutherland player Chris Mailley, a multiple Carnegie Shield winner, is playing under the Brora banner.
There are also contenders from the Inverness, Muir of Ord, Boat of Garten, Isle of Skye and Fortrose and Rosemarkie clubs.
Oliver Mukherjee – representing Golf Academy at Loretto and the youngest winner at 16 last year over Gailes links – and runner-up Gregor Tait, of Aldeburgh, both feature in this year’s line-up.
Neil Hampton, general manager of Royal Dornoch Golf Club, will be pleased to see the North District pack teeing up on familiar territory.
“It’s marvellous to see so many low-handicap players from clubs across the Highlands in the field this year and spectators will be made very welcome,” he said.
“While this is the first time Tain has hosted a prestigious championship dating back to 1922, it has been held over Royal Dornoch’s Championship course on three previous occasions.
“Tour winner Grant Forrest won in 2012, following on from Steven O’Hara in 2000 and Dean Robertson in 1993.
“Both the courses hosting the tournament are in superb condition and I’m sure the competitors will enjoy their experience.”
