Greig Hutcheon is hoping that some local knowledge can bolster his push for a maiden Legends Tour title at the Staysure PGA Seniors’ Championship in his own backyard of Aberdeen.
The Trump International links at Balmedie is the host of this week’s over-50s showpiece and Granite City veteran Hutcheon is relishing the opportunity to go for glory at a course he knows well.
Carved out amid the towering dunes of the Menie Estate, the exacting links provides a formidable test and Hutcheon, one of a raft of PGA pros competing in a global field, is well aware of the bountiful perils and pitfalls that await.
“I think most of the guys are pretty blown away by the course,” said the former Scottish PGA champion. “One of them said to me, ‘this is not a golf course, it’s fantasy’. It’s an amazing piece of land. It’s a bonus knowing this course and how it plays. But I also know how many balls you can lose and what damage can be done.”
Having reached his half century earlier this year, Hutcheon is something of a sprightly young ‘un on the golden oldies circuit. “I’m 50, going a bit bald but I’m still being called a rookie which is funny,” smiled the three-time European Challenge Tour winner.
Hutcheon is certainly revelling in his senior service. Earning his tour card at the qualifying school at the start of the year, the former Tartan Tour No 1 went on to make an immediate mark on the circuit. He finished runner-up in just his second event on Jersey while another second-place finish earlier this month at Hanbury Manor underlined his competitive gusto.
“Given that there are only five cards for the tour at q-school, just getting on to it is an achievement in itself,” said Hutcheon, who was right in the hunt going into the closing round of the Senior Open at Royal Porthcawl before falling away on a wild, brutal final day.
“It’s so hard but now that I’m on it, I’ve been delighted with the start I’ve made. I’ve had some great weeks and I’ve not been far away from that first win. I just have to keep knocking on the door.”
