GOLF - Inverness Four Day Open has a new champion as Boat of Garten head greenkeeper wins title for the first time
JORDAN Shaw ranks winning the Inverness Golf Club Four Day Open title among his top accomplishments in the sport.
The 31-year-old from Kingussie lifted the Rosswood Trophy for the first time in his career when he defeated 2024 champion Lewis Reid from Fortrose 4/3 in the final on Thursday.
It was a sensational performance from Shaw, who works as head greenkeeper at Boat of Garten Golf Club and is no stranger to winning competitions in the past.
But this is the first time he claimed victory at the Four Day Open at Culcabock and ranks it among one of his finest victories.
He said: “I played really well and it is always good going up against your friend. Myself and Lewis had a really good game and it was really enjoyable.
Shaw hit a 70 and 72 during the qualifying rounds to go into the matchplay round as the seventh seed. He beat Andrew Hutchison 3/2 in the first round before defeating David Sanderson 2/1 in the quarter final.
He received a walkover in the semi final when his scheduled opponent Ross Naismith was forced to withdraw after his partner went into labour.
In the final, Shaw felt he was always in control as he played confident golf to secure the title against his friend Reid.
Looking back at his performance, Shaw said: “Qualifying is the main bit of the competition, once you qualify, matchplay becomes anybody’s game and here I am with the trophy.
“Matchplay is never easy, you never know which way it is going to go in the second round. David in the quarter final is a good player who knows his way around. It was good being able to beat him and then Lewis in the final.”
Speaking about the final, he said: “I got off to a good start, I was a few up through five and managed to keep going with a few good shots and a bit of luck.
“I have won a few competitions in the north, but this is definitely up there at the top.
“I have had a lot of good wins and feel good moments but this is one is up there and is nice.”
Shaw heads back to work at Boat of Garten Golf Club tomorrow and is also looking forward to becoming a father for the first time as he rates this as one of the best months of his life.
He said: “My fiance is due with our first child in a couple of weeks. We will go and celebrate and look forward to that.”