Brought into the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at the last minute on Thursday, 14-year-old Alasdair McDougall nearly completed a fairytale but fell just short of winning the event’s team competition.
The St Leonard’s School pupil and partner Dutch professional Joost Luiten shot 35-under to finish in a tie for third in the team event, five shots behind winners Nick Dougherty and media personality Chris Evans.
Alasdair, a three-handicapper who has been capped for Scotland at under-16 level, got his 11th-hour place in the £3.2 million tournament as a result of winning the St Andrews Links Junior Golf Association (SALJGA) Order of Merit this season.
Alasdair says he tried not to think too much about making the cut for Sunday during Saturday’s round at Carnoustie: ”I just blocked everything out and thought about playing my own game. Yesterday on the front nine I just played really well and made three birdies in a row.”
”It was just amazing, just watching these people play and the feeling that you get when you get a birdie in front of the crowd,” he said after the final round.
”I’ve had two birdies on the 17th now (at the Old Course) and I’m just buzzing. I’ve been shaking for most of the round thinking I could be in the top three.”
The thrill of the weekend has made Alasdair’s future career plans a good deal clearer.
He added: ”I just want to do this my whole life now. I always wanted to play in high standards of competitions but this really makes me want to do it even more and I’m going to practise every day for hours and hours so I can get here.”
Luiten, who finished tied for ninth on 15-under, reckons he may have played with a future fellow pro.
”It was great to play with him he made some really nice birdies and hit some really nice shots,” said the Dutchman. ”If he just keeps doing what he does now he will be a very good player and we’ll see him on the tour in a few years.”
Alasdair’s proud parents followed their son over the week.
Dad Duncan said: ”We’ve had a great week watching Ally. He played some excellent golf and really kept his cool. I had a smile on my face all week watching him play with the pros.”