Winning the Tartan Tour Order of Merit and money table two years in a row says a lot for the consistency shown by 40-year-old Greig Hutcheon, of Banchory.
And he really believes he has still to reach his peak. He has won the Scottish PGA Order of Merit five times since 2006 and has been first or second in the money-winners’ table for the past four seasons.
“I’m chuffed to bits winning the order of merit this year, especially as it gives me a tee time for the Aberdeen Asset Scottish Open at Royal Aberdeen next year, an event which will be huge in the golfing calendar next year and nice to have it not far from home,” said Hutcheon.
“After a blether with Paul Lawrie, I’m also understanding it will be an event graced with a lot more of the superstars.
“The dry Scottish summer led to extreme links golf conditions for the Open, which took many by surprise, but not the likes of Mickelson and Stenson, who prepared correctly by playing the week prior at Castle Stuart before Muirfield.”
Hutcheon went on to thank all those who support the Tartan Tour as it “allows many of us to keep playing the game we love while not holding a European Tour category.
“With the number of course records and great scoring we have had at Scottish events this past season, perhaps the Tartan Tour proves you don’t necessarily have to be on tour to keep your game in world-class condition…well, at least make cuts with the big boys.”
His season is by no means over.
“I’m looking forward to heading to Turkey for the PGA play-offs in late November when Graham Fox, Chris Kelly and myself will compete for invites to European Tour and Challenge Tour events next season, including the flagship event, the BMW Championship at Wentworth.”
Hutcheon was once quoted as saying he felt he was not far off European Tour standard.
“I did make it to the European Tour twice when I was younger. Not having been a regular and never getting my world ranking inside the top 200 is disappointing.
“Nevertheless I have made 100 European Tour appearances and after a potentially career-finishing injury, grade 3 separation of my right shoulder, my success story is the fact that I made it back and am making cuts at the top level.”