Golf: Noon is on a high as he seals Order of Merit title

The Craigielaw player finished out on his own at the top of the rankings after producing a string of consistent performances.

It proved a sweet triumph for Noon due to the fact his dad, one of the top Lothians players in his day and a pro for a spell, fell just short in his attempts to land the title.

“I think he was second twice in the Lothians Order of Merit, so that’s one I’ve managed to get over on him,” he said.

During his travels this season, Noon was reminded about the success his old man, who now caddies for Sam Torrance, achieved as an amateur.

“I was playing in the Edward Trophy at Glasgow Gailes this year and noticed his name on the trophy,” he added.

“That was quite cool, it’s nice to be playing in tournaments he once did well in.”

Noon Jnr was spurred on in the LGA Order of Merit after finishing second in the Lothians Championship qualifying early in the season.

He added wins at Turnhouse and Silverknowes and finished the campaign nearly 300 points ahead of second-placed Tom Caldwell.

The Napier University student – he finishes a business and finance degree next May – intends to put in some hard work on his game over the winter.

And he is predicting an exciting 2012 campaign for the Lothians after watching the likes of Danny Kay, James Ross, Zander Culverwell, Neil Henderson and Paul Ferrier all make their presence felt this year.

“I think there’s a good crop of young players in the Lothians at the moment,” he said.

“Zander won the Battle Trophy, Danny also did well in the Scottish Amateur and there are others like Stephen Neilson who are knocking at the door.

“Danny and I play a lot of practice rounds together. He’s got the talent and also works hard at his game and it’s great that he’s got his reward for that [with a place in the Scotland squad].”

Noon’s competitive golf at the moment is coming in the East Lothian Winter League, where one of his Craigielaw team-mates this season is former Hibs boss John Hughes.

“We’ve got a great bunch of guys at Craigielaw,” he said. “The banter is good and Yogi is our secret weapon at the back.

“He’s got tremendous enthusiasm and he’s also great in terms of motivation. John Collins also plays a lot at the club – he’s not played for the team yet, but who knows?”

1: R Noon (Craigielaw) 456pts

2: T Caldwell (Silverknowes) 181pts

3: J Ralston (Shotts) 144pts

4: C Johnstone (Royal Musselburgh) 120pts

5: S Young (Turnhouse) 110pts

6= M Cunningham (Longniddry) 100pts

6= D Donaldson (Gullane) 100pts

6= M Graham (Newbattle) 100pts

6= S Simants (Dunbar) 100pts

10: K Reilly (Silverknowes) 94pts