Alex Chalk claimed his first Order of Merit title on the Arnold Clark Tartan Tour in style as he eased to victory in the Arbroath Links 36-hole Challenge.
In the final counting event of the 2025 campaign, the Gleneagles Hotel assistant reeled off rounds of 62 and 65 for a terrific 13-under aggregate and won by four shots from Keir McNicoll and Daniel Toogood.
For Chalk, it was a case of no practice makes perfect. “I hadn’t actually played the course before teeing up so it was just a case of hit it, find it and hit again,” he said of a simple approach. “I’m delighted to have stepped up to win an Order of Merit title.”
The opening day saw Ethan Hurst set a sizzling pace with a 10-under 60, which included a back-nine of just 28 blows.
Chalk kept himself clinging to the coattails of the frontrunner, though, with a late rally as he picked up five shots on his closing four holes in his opening 62.
“I had made a bogey on 14 so I knew I had to finish with a flurry to keep close to Ethan,” added Chalk, who illuminated that purposeful push with an eagle putt of 30-feet on the 17th.
As Hurst toiled on day two – the Canadian carded a 73 and slithered back into a share of sixth – Chalk took up the running and cantered over the winning line with a six-birdie round.
Chalk is now hoping to carry his good, late season form into this month’s Sandy Pipey Young Masters at Royal Dornoch.
“It’s my last year as an assistant,” said Chalk. “I’ve been close in the Sandy Pipey event before and I would love to get that trophy on my mantelpiece.”
His Arbroath win, meanwhile, may be rewarded with another special delivery from the famed tennis coach, and keen golfer, Judy Murray.
“Judy is based at Gleneagles and gets regular lessons here,” said Chalk, who received a congratulatory message on social media from the mother of former Wimbledon champion Andy. “She always brings Empire biscuits from a local bakery to the academy for all the coaches. She’s good fun and loves her golf.”
At Arbroath Links, it was Chalk who was the smash hit.
To see the full PGA in Scotland Order of Merit standings, click here.
