In-form Michael Stewart on verge of securing HotelPlanner Tour step up

The in-form Ayrshireman stormed to a three-shot success in the Portlethen Classic presented by Entier, having already landed the Montrose Links Masters just over a month ago.

Stewart followed an opening 67 in the circuit’s latest event with a 63 before signing off with a 66 to finish with a 17-under-par aggregate.

American John Vogelpohl was his closest challenger, with James Morgan a further shot back and Scottish Par 3 champion Sam Locke in a big group on 12 under.

“Just another really good week,” said Stewart, who picked up a cheque for £4,500. “Delighted to get my second win of the season and I am just hoping that I can keep that momentum going and try to contend more.”

The former Scottish Amateur champion tops the Tartan Pro Tour Order of Merit after five events as players battle for two cards on next season’s HotelPlanner Tour.

A third title triumph for Stewart, though, would see him elevated to the DP World Tour feeder circuit straight away, with that now being his aim heading into the upcoming Newmachar Classic.

“If I can win another one, that would be great and I would be promoted,” he added. “If not, I just want to give myself as many chances as I can.

“What I’ve learned or tried to implement at the start of this season is that I’ve taken a lot of inspiration from the boys who were promoted last year. Whether it be Danny Young or Davy Law moving up to the DP World Tour, Davy having went up then came back down.

“Then Liam Johnston graduating to the HotelPlanner Tour. Me and Liam spent a lot of time together on the HotelPlanner Tour and we’ve got to know each other pretty well. He didn’t play his best stuff but went about his business in a way I admired last year.

“He approached it in a manner that was almost business-like and I had a lot of conversations with him. Davy as well about what he tried to implement when he was back on the HotelPlanner Tour. I’ve just tried to take little pieces of what they said their experiences had been.

‘Just piecing bits and bobs together’

“I feel like it has helped a bit with my approach. Just not get too involved in playing perfect golf because, as good as my scores have been, I don’t feel I have actually played unbelievable golf.

“I’ve probably been a little conservative at times. I’ve stayed away from taking on flags and tried to build a score. I am trying to be aggressive but not being silly with it.

“I’m just piecing bits and bobs together that those guys have sorted of talked to me about and I am very happy about being able to get over the line twice this year and I can hopefully continue to play some good stuff.”