Royal Troon golfers are stars in Mexico

Nov 9 2012 by Mike Wilson, Ayrshire Post

We took on the world and came home as winners.

That’s the proud claim of Royal Troon golfers Michael Smyth and Paul Moultrie.

The duo were flown first class to Mexico where they were among 20 teams from 14 countries in the world club championship.

Michael, 26, and Paul, 49, just missed qualifying for the four team shoot-out by a single shot.

But they went into the 16 team chairman’s division final where Troon triumphed for the second year in a row.

Michael said: “We were treated like Ryder Cup stars. It was the biggest amateur tournament in the world and it was scary.

“It was the best hotel and golf course I have ever been to.

“Now as winners, the club has been invited to the final in South Korea in May. And there was even talk of an invite to an event in India in March.

“We are just kicking ourselves we didn’t reach the big final after putting poorly the first day . But we went to bed early and got up at first light. It paid off when we were five under for the first nine.”

Mexico was a far cry from Michael’s last tournament success in August when he won Troon Golf Week.

He said: “The organisers made sure we felt like professional players. They even took us out on a boat to celebrate and we met some wonderful people.”

Highlights of the lads’ dream trip will be on Sky Sports in December.