Mixed emotions for Euan McIntosh as he seals his pro return

Euan McIntosh, the 2018 Scottish Amateur champion, is back in the professional ranks after securing a full card for this season’s Staysure Tour, writes MARTIN DEMPSTER.

It was mission accomplished for the Turnhouse player as he finished joint-second in the senior circuit’s Qualifying School final at Pestana Golf Resort in Portugal.

McIntosh, who returned to the amateur ranks specifically to get his game sharpened up for a crack in the over-50s’ game, rounded off a polished performance with a closing 67 for a 12-under-par 272 total.

“The strange thing is, I’m sad in a way to be leaving the amateur ranks,” he admitted. “I’ve got a lot of friends because I play for Scotland, and now I’m not going to be doing that ever again. It’s great, but there’s a bit of sadness there.”

McIntosh will join Paul Lawrie, Andrew Oldcorn and Gary Orr in flying the Saltire on the circuit and is hoping to make his presence felt.

“For the last three years, I’ve played a lot of high-end amateur events with guys that are going to be winning European Tour events,” he added. “It’s been a really good grounding, these young guys have been amazing. They’ve pushed me on to get my golf to the level it’s at now. Without their competitiveness, I wouldn’t be here.”

On the European Tour, Stephen Gallacher finished with three birdies for a level-par 70 in the first round of the Saudi International. “I’m hoping it will kickstart my season,” he said of that closing burst.