Keegan Shutt rounded off an impressive week at the R&A Junior Open with a share of 12th place at the Monifieth Links in Angus, Scotland on Wednesday.
Following on from his solid form on the local circuit, the 15-year-old from Chapman Golf Club, opened with a 75 in very windy conditions on Monday then added two 74 on Tuesday before closing with another 75.
Shutt finished the championship on eight-over-par-224 alongside Czech Republic’s Zach Matous, Martinez Curro from Spain and Australia’s Rupert Toomey.
The Zimbabwe junior golf sensation was the highest placed African golfer on the leaderboard as he finished five shots clear of South African Fabrizio de Abreu, who finished tied for 31st on 13-over-par 229.
Connor Graham became just the second Scot to win the R&A Junior Open after coasting to an impressive five-shot success at Monifieth Golf Links.
The 15-year-old from Blairgowrie Golf Club made the best of his familiarity with the conditions at Monifieth Links after carding a second successive five-under 67 to finish on 13-under-par.
Watched by 1999 Open champion Paul Lawrie – he represents his junior foundation as one of its ambassadors – Graham won comfortably from highly-rated Thai player TK Chantananuwat.
“It’s a great feeling to come out on top in such a big event,” said Graham, who finished second Lytham Trophy earlier in the year.
Referring to Chantananuwat, who played in the inaugural LIV Golf event at Centurion Club last month, the Scot added: “He’s obviously a very good player and it feels good to perform well against him and other good players.”
Graham overcame 109 players aged between 12-16 from 64 nations around the globe to notch his first victory of 2022 after four title triumphs last year.
“This win ranks very high just because of the way I performed here,” said the plus-four handicapper. “I didn’t drop a shot today under the pressure, so I’m really pleased about that.
“It was pretty special to see Paul come out and watch me play. I’m one of his ambassadors, and he’s helped me a lot in getting my golf to the next level.”
Chantananuwat was gracious in defeat. “Well done to Connor, he played really well and deserved to win,” he said. “I got the next best place and learned a lot about how to play links golf that will help me in the future.”