ANGUS Davidson claimed one of the biggest victories of his golf career as he came out on top at the 106th Nairn Open Amateur Tournament.
Angus Davidson.
The 23-year-old, who works as a greenkeeper at the course, was forced into an extra hole in the final, but held his nerve to defeat Fraser Owenson at the 19th.
The Cawdor golfer claimed the title in what was only his second time competing in the tournament and was his biggest victory since winning the Nairn Dunbar Open in 2023.
Davidson says it was a tough week against top quality opposition as he defeated Lorne Smith, Finlay Wickenden and Robert Smith on his way to the final.
But he was delighted that he managed to produce some great golf on his way to lifting the Challenge Cup for the first time.
He said: “Last year was the first time I played at the tournament and I got beat at the semi final stage.
“So managing to win this year is a great feeling.
“The final went to the 19th hole and it was nip and tuck the whole way and it was a close contest the whole way around.
“Although at one stage I was two up, but Fraser played well to get a couple of birdies which resulted in it going to an extra hole.
“There was pressure at the 19th hole as we were both short of the green at two, I then managed one really close to the pin and it was a good time to hit a shot like that.
“It was an unbelievable feeling when my putt went in and I became champion.
“It was a really strong field that took part in the Open which made it all the more sweeter to win the tournament.
“This is the biggest win of my golf career so far.”
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Davidson has been taking part in competitions for seven years, first playing competitively when he was 17.
He started playing golf at Nairn Dunbar Golf Club when he was nine-years-old when his dad encouraged him to take up the sport. He is now a member at both Nairn Golf Club and Nairn Dunbar Golf Club.
Davidson has been working at Nairn Golf Club as a greenkeeper since leaving Nairn Academy eight years ago.
He said he has received lots of congratulations from his colleagues and management since claiming the Challenge Cup.
“I definitely received a heroes’ welcome from everyone at the club after winning the tournament,” he said.
“It was a really nice feeling to be congratulated by everyone at the club.”
After winning the Nairn Open Amateur Tournament, Davidson is also preparing for the new football season with Nairn St Ninian.
He was involved in a friendly match against Culter on Saturday so had to restrain himself from celebrating his golfing victory until after full time.
He said: “The celebrations did have to come to a halt early on Friday as I was playing with Nairn St Ninian the following day.
“I did leave most of the celebrations until after the match on Saturday night.”
Looking ahead to the rest of the golfing calendar, Davidson hopes he can be in contention to win the Nairn Dunbar Five Day Open which starts next week.
He said: “I have taken a week’s holiday from work in preparation for competing at the Nairn Dunbar Five Day Open.
“I am looking forward to giving it my best shot and my plan is definitely trying to achieve the double with wins at both clubs.”
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