Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Match Play - First Day so Far

Local Aberdonian Richie Ramsay gave the crowds something to cheer about after a fantastic comeback to book his place in the second round of the inaugaural Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Matchplay today.

Ramsay came back from three down after seven holes to beat Shiv Kapur from India by one hole.

The course record holder got his nose in front for the first time on the 17th, and finished it off on the 18th with a birdie from 20 feet.

Ramsay, 32, was really pleased with the way he kept it going right to the end. He said:

“The most pleasing thing is playing well under pressure. There is no better feeling.

“To birdie the last two, and then obviously down the last with the local guys on the green was great. 

“And I can call upon that in the rest of the round and maybe sharpen up the game this afternoon, ready for round two.”

Fans of two-time Major Champion John Daly will be disappointed to see him beaten by two holes by Spain’s Jorge Campillo.

Michael Hoey beat Maximillian Kieffer 2&1 and Matt Fitzpatrick continued his impressive run of form beating Welshman Bradley Dredge 6&4.

The other feat of the day so far was by Jeev Milkha Singh coming back after losing four of the first six holes to Australian Scott Hend. Singh birdied the ninth for a half to keep him from going 5 down at the turn, then proceeded to birdie the 10th, 11th and 13th on his way to clinching the win at the last and sneaking his way through to the next round.