Alan Waugh missed out on being with his former St Mirren youth team-mates in lifting the Scottish Communities League Cup last month, but he’d rather win the Scottish Boys Championship anyway.
The 18-year-old from Cowglen only seriously took up golf when his football career floundered he was considered too small for a goalkeeper at a touch less than six feet tall but he helped end the championship interest of the Lawrie family at Monifieth.
Waugh, seeded sixth in the championship and beaten in the semi-finals by St Andrews’ Euan Scott at Murcar last year, actually would have been getting a stroke off Paul Lawrie’s elder son Craig under handicap but won handsomely in the end 5 and 3.
Waugh played for both Rangers and St Mirren at pro youth level and of his former colleagues John McGinn was part of the Buddies’ team that defeated Hearts at Hampden.
“I’m not a St Mirren fan, but I guess after playing for them they’re my second team, so I was pleased to see them win,” he said.
“I was a goalkeeper but in the end I think they decided I wasn’t big enough to make it.”
Golf came late for him but he’s blossomed quickly, gaining Scotland honours after his run at Murcar and he raced away from the elder Lawrie around the turn, winning five in a row from the seventh to take full control of the match.
“It’s a tough run the first few holes but I like that stretch around the turn and I’ve played well there all week so far,” added Alan.
“I was pretty nervous with Paul watching at first but in the end the focus on the match just takes over. It was great to be able to play well in front of him and he was very nice at the end in congratulating me for the win.”
Later in the day, the former Open champion’s younger son Michael lost out 5 and 4 to another seed, Dumfries and County’s Conor Syme.
Conor is also the son of a professional, club pro Stuart Syme, but he was always in control against Michael, who had done exceptionally well at just 14 and playing off a five handicap to reach the third round after a good win over Dullatur’s Ellis Hart in the frosty morning.
Another pro’s son still in the event is Ben Craggs, son of Catriona Matthew’s coach Kevin, who beat Lewis McWilliam (Aboyne) 3 and 2 for a last 32 place.