Kay not down as run ends in Scottish Amateur final

DUNBAR'S Danny Kay has his sights set on gold after finishing up with the silver medal in the Scottish Amateur Championship in Ayrshire.

The 20-year-old's fairytale run in the SGU's flagship event ended in defeat at the hands of Aberdonian David Law. But now he's aiming to go one better in this weekend's Leven Gold Medal in Fife.

Kay, who had knocked out seeds Kris Nicol and James Byrne to earn his tilt at the title, drew first blood in the 36-hole final with a birdie at the opening hole. But, after Law drew level at the third, the Hazelhead player quickly got his nose in front and went on to record a 6 and 5 triumph.

Kay was the first to admit the right person had emerged as the winner, with Law lifting the title for the second time in three years. But he left Ayrshire with his head held high and is determined to build on the best performance of his career so far.

"That was frightening golf, it was as solid as it gets and he definitely deserved to win," said Kay. "I didn't feel as though I played any different to how I had during the rest of the week, but, when you are playing against someone as good as that, it is very tough. I still enjoyed what was a great experience."

Zander Culverwell, who had been knocked out in the fourth round, travelled back through to Western Gailes to watch clubmate Kay in the final. Wilson Morton was also among the Dunbar contingent, with Lothians secretary Allan Shaw and former president Peter Lowe also in the sizeable gallery.

The Renaissance Club, where Kay works part-time, was also represented as a great week's golf came to a conclusion under a baking-hot sun.

"I felt very calm even with all the people out there watching us," added Kay. "A lot of my friends came through which was really nice, but David was just too good on the day

" My next event is the Leven Gold Medal then I plan to go up north for the SGU Order of Merit events.

"I have always tried to set goals and this has given me a lot of confidence so those goals, might be even higher now."

One goal is to earn a place in the Lothians team and Kay is hoping coach Colin Brooks can help him to keep improving.

"Colin phoned me on Friday night to congratulate me on reaching the final. At the same time, he said I wasn't here to finish second. I was there to be first and he was quite right.

"But I can only have done myself some favours this week, there's been only positives from it. The plan is to turn pro one day but not right now. I'm only 20 and might give it a shot when I feel I am ready."

It was the second year in a row that a Dunbar player had picked up a medal, Stephen Neilson having earned a bronze at Gullane 12 months earlier.

Next year's Scottish Amateur takes place at Royal Dornoch.