Graeme Robertson conjured a thrilling late show to win the Northern Open in a play-off at Cruden Bay.
The Grangemouth pro, who won last year’s Loch Lomond Whiskies Scottish PGA Championship, added another of Scotland’s oldest titles to his collection as he edged out Joe Bryce in the sudden-death shoot-out after both players had finished on three-under aggregates.
Robertson’s assault on the title looked to be veering off course when he found a bush with his drive off the 18th tee and had to take a penalty drop.
But he produced a fine salvage operation and holed a 20-footer for par on the final green for a one-under 69 to force a play-off.
The leading duo couldn’t be separated having played the first hole twice, but Robertson finally made the breakthrough at the third time of asking when he fired a superb approach to within six inches to set up a title winning birdie.
The former Scotland amateur cap, who qualified for last year’s Open at Hoylake, joins a shimmering Northern Open roll of honour which includes the likes of John Panton, Eric Brown, Harry Bannerman and Brian Barnes.
Robertson, who picked up the first prize of £3,200 from this latest PGA Open Series event, said: “I thought that was it when I hit the driver in the bush on the last so to make that putt for par was huge.
“I remember playing in the Northern Open as an amateur a few years ago and I knew there were some great champions. It’s my first win of the new season and I’m delighted.
“I’ve had a couple of close calls this year and it’s nice to get that win under my belt.”
Gleneagles pro Bryce also signed off with a 69 but was left to rue a brace of dropped shots at 16 and 17 which gave Robertson hope.
Paul O’Hara, Kevin Duncan and Rob Paterson shared third on 139s while defending champion, Graham Fox, tied for 17th on 145 after a closing 70.
Inverness’s Jonathon Keith enjoyed an impressive debut among the pros of the Tartan Tour and won the Bookless Cup as the leading amateur in a share of 23rd.
The 28-year-old, who won the prestigious Craw’s Nest Tassie at Carnoustie this season, posted a pair of 73s for a six-over 146.
“Cruden Bay was an excellent test,” he said. “This was my first pro event so I’m delighted with this finish.”
In the pre-tournament Pro-Am, to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Cruden Bay club, Ethan Hurst, Paul McKechnie and John Henry shared the honours with two-under 68s.
