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.
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