Perthshire’s Connor Graham played pitch perfect golf to stunningly be crowned Junior Open champion 2022.
The Blairgowrie member proudly sat top of the leaderboard among the world’s best under-16 players when the prestigious tournament, held at Monifieth, finished on Wednesday.
Connor (15) carded highly impressive rounds of 69, 67 and 67 for a 13-under par total, five shots clear of second-placed Ratchanon Chantananuwat from Thailand.
All nations affiliated to the R&A are invited to enter their best U16 boy and girl, with the event closely linked to The Open. But Connor was the standout performer.
“As far as wins goes, this has got to be up there with one of my best so far,” he beamed, speaking to the PA.
“And especially on performance because of the way I played. I don’t think I’ve played as good as that for 54 holes straight before.
“Tee to green I was very solid and then the putter started warming up in the last two rounds, holing a few more putts.
“I had the lead by a couple of shots going into the final round but I kept trying to score as low as possible and hit as many good shots as possible.
“It feels really good to be able to win such a big event with a strong field of the best under-16 players in the world.
“It’s a huge confidence booster knowing I can play that well and shoot low scores consistently.”
Connor was presented the trophy at a ceremony shortly after his memorable triumph - cheered on by fans of Scottish golf and of course his delighted friends and family.
He smiled: “I’ve had a few people congratulating me, yes.”
And he added: “I had quite a few friends and family out watching, so it was special to get the job done in front of them.”
Among the past winners of the Junior Open is Patrick Reed of the USA, who moved on to win The Masters and play in the Ryder Cup.
Connor, of course, has his sights set on playing in The Open one day and is determined to continue putting in the hard work.
“I’m working my way towards playing in one of those,” he said. “I feel I’m getting closer.
“I’m just going to keep working hard and preparing for the next events.”
Blairgowrie High student Connor’s profile in the game is growing all of the time and, despite his young years, he recently represented Scotland’s men at the European Amateur Team Championship.
He explained: “That was a great experience for me to play on the Scotland men’s team.
“It was almost the biggest amateur event in Europe with so many top players.”
The busy schedule continues as, next week, Connor jets out to Finland to prepare for the European Young Masters.
“I don’t have too much time off,” Connor smiled.
