Craig Neilson (27) playing the 13th at his home course of La Moye. Picture by Tony Pike (00734570)

SCOTSMAN Craig Neilson marked his début on the PBS Order of Merit circuit with a two-shot victory in the Rosscot 72-hole Strokeplay championship at the weekend.

Played on his home course at La Moye on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Neilson was in the driving seat throughout although fellow Island team golfer Paul Le Chevalier got back to level the scores during the final 18 holes before having to eventually settle for second place.

Neilson returned a four-round total of 288, with Royal Jersey’s Le Chevalier and Gyles Robin scoring 290 and 291 respectively.

RBS International relationship manager Neilson (27) said: ‘It was my first PBS Order of Merit tournament and I’m delighted to have won. I’ve been unable to play previously because of work commitments but I was able to get the time off for this year’s tournament.

‘I had a seven-stroke lead after being five-under-par for the opening two rounds after scores of 70 and 69; I was pleased with the opening rounds too because I took 34 putts on each round.
‘I played all right most of the time and throughout I missed five greens in regulation. However I was horrendous at times on the greens and Paul Le Chevalier had 35 putts less than me throughout.’