Lothians round-up: Alastair McLean leaves Duddingston

Alastair McLean, the long-serving professional at Duddingston, is leaving the Capital club early next year.

“I have been very proud to be the club professional at Duddingston for the last 30 years but now feel that the time is right to step aside and let the next generation take over,” said McLean in a letter to members. “This is entirely my decision.”

McLean, who took over from Jim Farmer, added: “Golf clubs and the golf industry, have changed hugely in the last five-ten years and not all in a good way. However, with the potential land sale, exciting times lie ahead for Duddingston.”

• High Noon

Musselburgh’s Jack Noon and Mollaidh Nicholson of Kilspindie were the main prize winners in the East Lothian Junior Golf League Championships at Craigielaw.

Noon shot rounds of 71 and 78 to claim a one-shot success from Andrew Scott (Dunbar) in the under-16/under-18 boys’ event.

Nicholson, meanwhile, won the girls’ event over 18 holes with a 78, finishing a shot ahead of host club member Carys Irvine.

• Crawford cracker

North Berwick’s Grace Crawford beat the boys to win the Stephen Gallacher Foundation Under-13 Championship at Kingsknowe.

Adding to her impressive title haul, Crawford closed with a 74 for a 222 total in the 54-hole event, winning by a shot from Josh Beveridge (Bathgate).

Ratho Park’s Ciaran Paterson claimed the under-15s title by storming home in 30 in the final round to win by four shots from Cameron Adam (Royal Burgess) with a 206 total.

• Harrison Handicap offer

Spots are still available in the Harrison Handicap and Scratch Open on Saturday week.

The spaces in the draw are mainly between 7.20am and 9.20am and the entry fee is £12.

“If they mail the club at [email protected], we can try and accommodate them,” said secretary Allan Torrance.

Entries are also still being taken for the Swanston Junior Open on Monday despite it being a Lothians Junior Order of Merit counting event.