Craig Lee wins fourth Deer Park Masters

Aug 11 2011 West Lothian Courier

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CRAIG LEE came to the FOUR at the Deer Park Masters this week as he won the prestigious title for the fourth time.

The Tain Golf Club member clinched the title after a nail-biting three-hole play-off against two other pros, Greg Hutcheon from Banchory (who finished third) and Chris Kelly from Cawdor (both past winners of the Masters themselves), who was runner up after Lee birdied hole nine during the play off.

Lee, who also plays for Team Scottish Hydro and has been playing on the Challenge Tour, took the precious prize after a phenomenal score of 131, 13 under par (66 and 65).

After picking up the silverware Craig beamed: “I am delighted to win here at Deer Park for a fourth time - it was an exciting play off, with Greg and Chris also playing really well. The course here suits my game and I always look forward to the Maters, its a real highlight for me.”

During the two day event which now has the largest prize fund of any Tartan Tour Ranking Event, 18 pros were under par on day one despite heavy rain. The course record of 63 was also equalled.

Lee, who last won the Deer Park Masters in 2009, added: “This year I have been playing on the Challenge Tour trying to climb onto the European Tour.

“The Masters is always very well organised, a well run event on a great course and it has a relaxed atmosphere.

“Winning again here is fantastic news for me and I would like to thank the team at Deer Park and the PGA.”

The Masters was conceived by Muir Group Chairman John Muir and his Golf Manager Stuart Cruickshank as a means of supporting the golf club professionals of Scotland — the hard working and talented individuals who add so much to the enjoyment of the game of golf with their knowledge and advice.

At the same time the Tournament enables amateur golfers to gain valuable insight into the game they love by playing with the professionals in a pro-am format.

Offering Order of Merit Points, there are also prizes for the best amateurs and teams up for grabs.

Alan Muir, Director of The Muir Group, owners of Deer Park said: “Our congratulations go to Craig, he is a very worthy winner and one of the stalwart pros who has given his support to this contest since it started eight-years ago.

“We conceived the tournament to give added support to the pro’s of Scotland who do so much to add enjoyment to the game of golf.

“I know I speak for many of them when they say that the hospitality and camaraderie they enjoy at the Masters is an important part of the Tournament and our way of saying thank you.”