Rising Perthshire golf star Connor Graham has been crowned champion of Europe.
The Blairgowrie member stunningly finished top of the leaderboard at the Junior European Open in Spain this week.
The continent’s best young players had descended on the Alcaidesa Heathland and La Canada GC courses in Cadiz for five rounds of action.
It was a format which saw the best two rounds out of the first four - plus round five - added together for a finishing total.
Connor, just 15, carded two impressive 68s to manoeuvre into top spot before remaining at the summit with a closing 75. His overall score of 211 was three clear of both Joe Jones and Charlie Croker.
“It is a great experience winning such a big event,” Connor, whose handicap is +4, told the PA.
“My game was solid and I played really well over most of the days. I was happy with my driving and iron play. I drove the ball well, hit a lot of fairways and a lot of greens.
“I think this will be the biggest tournament I’ve won, just because of past champions and how strong the field was.
“It’s a real confidence-booster knowing I can compete and win in such a strong field. It’s really good to finish the year on such a high - and at such a big event.”
Connor wasn’t feeling too nervous heading into the final day, adding: “It helped take the pressure off knowing that I’d already had a couple of good rounds.
“I was five ahead going into the final round but my mindset was to try to keep pushing and get as big a lead as possible.”
The Blairgowrie High School student has enjoyed a phenomenal 2021 out on the course and this was the perfect way to round it off.
“That was the last tournament of the year and now it’s about getting ready for the start of next season,” he said.
“I put in the hard work to be the best I can. I need to keep working hard through the winter to better myself and get to the next level.
“We’ll maybe get to some of the big events across Europe next year. That would be good for me and I’ll try to play in more senior events.”
Messages of congratulation have been flooding in from across the region and beyond.
And Connor made sure to thank dad Stuart and mum June for all their support.
“It’s amazing the support I get,” Connor said. “I wouldn’t be at this level without mum and dad.
“And my dad was caddying for me this week, which was a big help. I get a lot of support from everybody.”
