SCOT Alan Saddington is as patriotic as the next man, but he had no

qualms about putting one over on his fellow-countrymen at the European

Teams golf championship at La Manga in Spain last week.

The Sanquhar-born 29-year-old took up a post at the De Haar club near

Amsterdam five years ago, and it was his closing 65 over La Manga's

North course last Wednesday that secured a three-shot victory for the

Netherlands over defending champions, Scotland.

''It didn't really make any difference that I was playing against

Scotland,'' said Saddington. ''They can't pick me, and anyway I felt I

was representing the Netherlands PGA. But it was great to win, and

produce the best score of the tournament. I had a fantastic day with the

putter. I felt as though I couldn't miss.''

It was John Chillas who partnered Saddington in the final round, and

the Glenbervie professional witnessed the Saddington magic -- six

single-putt birdies, and up-and-down par savers at the four closing

holes.

Having started his career as an assistant at Powfoot, Saddington

originally moved to Holland as a teaching professional -- ''I saw the

job advertised, and it sounded attractive'' -- but he is now

concentrating on the playing side.

Last season he finished second in the Dutch PGA Order of Merit behind

European Tour card-holder Chris van der Velde, and notched his first

professional victory in a 36-hole event in July. He also competed on the

European Challenge Tour, finishing just inside the top 80.

At De Haar, he has the company of fellow-Scot David Burnside, a former

Duddingston assistant, and Jonas Saxton, the American who, along with

1990 PGA Cup player John Woof, completed the Netherlands winning line-up

last week.

Saddington's ultimate aim is to get a chance to test his skills

alongside the stars of the European Tour, but his La Manga form has

deserted him this week on his fifth attempt to earn a card at the

qualifying school, where rounds of 85, 78, and 81 have left him with too

much ground to make up.

So it's back to Amsterdam for another season on an ever-improving

Netherlands domestic circuit. ''I am sponsored by Heuga tiles, and I am

involved in several company days as well as playing tournaments,'' said

the Scot who now speaks fluent Dutch. ''I must admit I make a good

living in Holland, and I really enjoy the life. I can't see me returning

to Scotland in the foreseeable future.''

There was talk at the European Teams event of banning countries from

using foreign players, but Saddington still hopes to be back at La Manga

next year to lead the defending champions.