Graeme Robertson romped to his second Order of Merit victory of the season on the Arnold Clark Tartan Tour in the latest 36-hole Challenge event at Strathmore.
The Glenbervie man, a winner at Spey Valley back in May, put on a terrific display of poise, precision and purpose and shot rounds of 63 and 64 for a 17-under total and a commanding six-shot win over Gavin Hay.
It was an ominous sign for his Tartan Tour rivals as Robertson continued to build up a head of steam for the Ramsdens Currency Scottish PGA Championship at West Kilbride.
The 38-year-old won the national title in 2023 and 2024, but a wrist injury forced him to withdraw from last year’s championship as his hopes of becoming the first player since Eric Brown in 1958 to win three in a row were scuppered.
Robertson, who blasted17 birdies and didn’t leak a single shot over two days at a wonderfully presented Strathmore, has the bit between his teeth again and is already looking forward to the domestic circuit’s showpiece later this month.
“It’s always nice to win a title but to successfully defend it is even more special as you’ve proven yourself again,” said Robertson, who picked up the first prize of £1600 for his Strathmore success.
“It was hugely disappointing not to get the chance to go for three in a row but we’re in a good run just now and hopefully that carries on.”
Robertson’s nine-under opening round had him one shot ahead of the field, but he pulled away on day two with an early salvo.
He birdied four of his opening five holes to fortify his position at the top and ended up enjoying a procession to a coronation.
Robertson, who is on HotelPlanner Tour duty in the Scottish Challenge at SCHLOSS Roxburghe this week, added: “Strathmore is one of those courses where if you drive it well and wedge it well, you’ll give yourself so many chances.
“I gave myself those chances and took them. To go bogey free over two days is always pleasing too. I’m playing with lots of confidence.”
Hay, who opened with a 70, barged up the field with a closing 63, which began with an eagle on the opening hole, as he finished second on 11-under.
Craig Lee and Liam Duncan shared third on 10-under with Hannah McCook three shots further back in fifth.
To see the final leaderboard from Strathmore, click here.
