New Lothians champion Ross Colquhoun hails help of Lloyd Saltman and Allyn Dick
Kingsfield member claims crown after longest final in event’s rich history
Kingsfield’s Ross Colquhoun reckons he’s the new Lothians champion after the longest final in the event’s history thanks to a couple of well-kent faces in golf - Lloyd Saltman and Allyn Dick.
Colquhoun enjoyed the highlight of his career after he triumphed at the fifth extra hole in a ding-done decider against Castle Park’s Barrie Lewis at Turnhouse.
“Obviously thoroughly delighted,” said Colquhoun of his title triumph. “It’s something I never truly believed could happen a few years ago, especially with the quality golfers we have in the Lothians.
“After getting to the final at Baberton in 2024 and losing on the 17th hole, my belief grew. However, with new expectations level after that, I struggled with the mental side of the game and this resulted in me not qualifying for the match-play at Duddingston in 2025.”
But, thanks to the help of both Saltman, the 2015 Open Silver Medal winner and now part of the pro team at Musselburgh, and two-time Lothians champion Dick, it was a different story in this year’s event.
“I can’t explain how thankful I am to Allyn and my coach and good friend Lloyd,” added Colquhoun. “These guys are the reason winning the Lothians was possible, two guys that have been at the highest level in amateur golf giving me key advice, not just on golf, how to live away from golf.
“Even on the Saturday night at 11pm, Allyn was still on the phone to me giving me key bits of advice like ‘stay in the moment with every shot’ and ‘don’t look back, nor forward’.
“This turned out to be invaluable due to a titanic battle with Barrie in the final. I woke up on the morning of Sunday believing that if I had these kinds of guys in my corner I had everything in place to get over the line.”
Colquhoun beat Ross Brydon 2&1 in his semi-final while Lewis triumphed at the 19th against Benn McLeod after a betterball of 55.
Longniddry’s Craig Davidson claimed the Stuart Cup as the leading qualifier, but he then went out in the quarter-finals to Lewis.