Can you remember what you were doing back in 2012? If you’re anything like this correspondent, with a memory that leaks like a pipe on a torpedoed battleship, then you’re probably struggling to recall the question posed in that opening sentence.
That was the year, of course, when Scott Jamieson won his first title on the DP World Tour. It was still called the European Tour in those days too. Grainy, British Pathe newsreel footage still exists, apparently.
Here in 2026, 13 years and 257 days after his maiden triumph on the circuit, Jamieson is savouring success again after a fine victory on Scottish turf in the Nexo Championship at Trump International Golf Links in Balmedie.
A sturdy five-under 67 for an 11-under aggregate gave him a two-shot win over Englishman, Matthew Jordan.
Like his fellow Scot Grant Forrest, who won the same event last season in its inaugural staging, Jamieson received a congratulatory phone call from President Trump in the aftermath.
In 2012, the bold Donald was still hosting The Celebrity Apprentice on the tele. And look at him now? On second thoughts.
For Jamieson, this win was a wonderful reward for perseverance. At 42, he’s not quite a spring chicken but he drew on all his experience to give his career the kind of shot in the arm that used to come with a blue NHS envelope in the Covid pandemic.
“Yeah, nearly 14 years, that's wild,” gasped Jamieson after bridging this yawning title gap which followed that first success in the weather-shortened Nelson Mandela Championship.
“It’s tough, so tough, so hard to win. I was so patient all day. I just can't believe I won.”
A couple of years ago, Jamieson saved his DP World Tour card by the skin of his teeth and he was facing another nail-nibbling scramble for survival this season too.
Winning, of course, takes care of everything. He’s leapt from 135th to 42nd on the Race to Dubai rankings and his whole campaign has changed.
“The grind’s worse than trying to win; trying to win is enjoyable,” added Jamieson, who revelled being back at the sharp end of affairs and has been rewarded with an extended tour exemption and a nice bit of security.
“But obviously, the position I was in this year, you know, I was starting to get to the business end of the season and didn't have a lot of points up, so to win and get a couple years of free golf is nice.
“It’s been a long time since my last win, so to do it here in Scotland is extra special. I’ve managed to keep my card for 16 years now. Every year, you’re always working towards something, and hopefully all those little things add up to wins every so often, so I’m delighted that it happened this week.
“It’s been a while since I had a near miss, it’s been a long time since I’ve been in the mix with a chance to win. I think (the emotion), it’s just the pressure when you’re out on the course trying to win, and then all of a sudden, it’s realised.”
Having harnessed the testing conditions earlier in the week, Jamieson was siting three behind 54-hole leader Shaun Norris on a clamer final day.
The South African’s title tilt was scuppered, though, when he was penalised on the fifth hole.
Norris was docked two shots when he flicked away a replaced divot and fell foul of rule 8.1 which covers “actions that improve conditions affecting the stroke”. Norris sagged to a closing 76.
Jamieson, meanwhile, made a telling advance around the turn with a burst of four birdies as he assumed command.
He leaked a shot on 13 but swiftly countered with a birdie on 14 before remaining as solid as a clump of Aberdeen granite over the last few holes.
“I was nervous,” he said of the closing few holes. “I was fine up until I went three ahead through 11 or something, and didn’t hit a great tee shot on the next.
“I just had a little word with myself and said, ‘come on, there’s still a long way to go’. Nothing is guaranteed at that point, but everyone else is nervous too. You just have to try your best.”
On a good day for the Scots, Connor Syme, who has struggled with form and fitness after a breakthrough win on the tour last season, also closed with a 67 and had his best finish of a trying year as he shared 10th with his compatriot, Euan Walker.
“Much better,” said Syme of a little ray of sunshine. “Overall, really good signs. Things are heading in the right direction.”
Martin Laird and Ewen Ferguson both finished on the fringes of the top-20 while Forrest, the reigning champion, signed off with a turbulent 80.
Golf, eh?
