If it’s rivalry you’re looking for then forget plonking yourself down on the couch and watching woefully inept reality television.
Instead, get yourself along to delightful Crail for this week’s Scottish Amateur Championship where a father and his two sons line up in the domestic showpiece on the East Neuk of Fife.
The family bragging rights will be on the line as Blairgowrie member Stuart Graham, 46, tees off in the first of two strokeplay qualifying rounds today in a draw that also includes sons Gregor, 15, and 12-year-old Connor.
It’s an occasion that, quite rightly, is being eagerly anticipated in the Graham household. Somebody could be going to be bed with no supper, mind you.
“Connor was due to play in an Under-13s event this week and while he was initially on the reserve list here at Crail he then got the call last Thursday night (to confirm his entry) and the very first thing he said was that he wanted to beat his dad,” said Stuart. “He’s very competitive. I dare not lose to Connor in the strokeplay as I’ll never hear the end of it.”
Connor, who plays off five, is looking forward to the significant step up in standard. “It’s probably the biggest tournament I have ever played in,” said the former British Wee Wonders champion in his age group.
“I have no expectations and being 12 years of age, everyone will be much older than me. There will be people hitting it 200 yards past me too.
“I’m just going out to enjoy it and hopefully I can get through the qualifying rounds.”
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The father of the Graham clan has played in numerous Scottish Amateurs down the years. So, any pearls of wisdom for the boys?
“Don’t drive it like dad and keep it straight,” said Stuart with a smile. “I’ve played the Scottish Amateur a few times now.
“When it used to be the old format and straight matchplay I recall teeing-up at half-seven in the morning and I was out of the tournament by half nine.”
Euan McIntosh, who won the national crown last season at the age of 49, is set for his title defence as he looks to become the first back-to-back winner since the celebrated Charlie Green in 1983.
The strokeplay qualifying will take place on the Balcomie and Craighead courses with the top 64 progressing to the matchplay rounds over the Craighead links.
“But they should be holding the matchplay stages on Balcomie, it’s the best under 6000 yards course I’ve played in Scotland,” argued the reigning champion.
Callum Macaulay, the 2008 champion and former European Tour player, returns to the event after regaining his amateur status.
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