Scottish Golf: Greg Mclellan wins 2026 Scottish Men's Amateur Championship

Greenkeeper McLellan wins Scottish Men's Amateur Championship

Stirling ace Greg hails 'mindblowing' victory at Royal Aberdeen

Scottish Golf

Greg Mclellan admitted winning the 2026 Scottish Men’s Amateur Championship was truly ‘mindblowing’ and a victory for ordinary golfers who simply play for the love of the game.

The 31-year-old is a greenkeeper at Loch Lomond Golf Club and never dreamed he would one day join the likes of Colin Montgomerie, Stephen Gallacher and Robert MacIntyre by having his name etched on the famous old trophy.

However, after a glory run to the final, including match play wins against 2024 champion Alexander Farmer and Scotland international Ross Laird, Mclellan took the title with a hard-fought 3&2 victory over Scotland boys’ squad member Aidan Lawson.

With this win, Mclellan, incredibly becomes the third national champion from Stirling Golf Club in the last three months.

In May, 18-year-old Erin Huskie lifted the Scottish Women’s Amateur Championship at Southerness and a month later Alison Davidson was the Scottish Senior Women’s Open champion at Duff House Royal.

Now Mclellan has pulled off an unprecedented hat-trick of victories for his home club and for once he was lost for words.

With twin brother Stewart on the bag and fiancee Lauren and family in the large crowd, it was an emotional day for the winner.

“It means everything to me….I never thought I would ever win it,” he confessed.

“It’s mindblowing that my name will be on this trophy for ever.

“It’s genuinely a dream. Being a kid, I always wanted to win or even just play in these events.

“I was the oldest guy in the semis by 10 or 11 years and makes it even more surreal that I won.

“I played Aidan in the final and he has so much talent – he’s a much better golfer than I will ever be.

“I look forward to watching his game flourish because he’s an amazing talent.

“But sometimes it’s meant to be your week.

“I’m not someone who cries, but I burst into tears before my brother on the 16th and he’s always emotional!

“I joked to Lauren the other night that I might win it. And that’s what it was – a joke!

“I might not defend next year – I might just call it a day!

“This is normally a great event and a week away with the boys – now I’ve won it!”

Mclellan emerged as champion only after five testing days on the pristine links of Murcar and Royal Aberdeen.

First up for the 264 competitors was two rounds of stroke play qualifying – 18 holes on each course.

The top 64 players from this phase of the championship made it through to the knockout rounds.

Scotland men’s team player Andrew Davidson earned medalist honours in the stroke play with two sparkling rounds.

A four-under par 67 at Royal Aberdeen on day one was followed by a five-under par 66 ‘over the fence’ at Murcar.

Fellow Scotland player Laird of Glenbervie posted the best single of score of the week – six-under par at Royal Aberdeen – to qualify as the second seed.

However, as often proved the case the seedings are not indicative of the final outcome.

Both finalists, Lawson and Mclellan, played steadily in the qualifiers to finish as 12th and 26th seeds respectively.

In the case of top seed Davidson, he lost out to eventual semi-finalist Harry Bent in the round of 16.

Having qualified as the 26th seed from the stroke play rounds, Mclellan was definitely an underdog.

However, match play wins over Jake Johnston, 2024 champion Farmer, Daniel Aitken and then Scotland cap Laird catapulted him into the semis.

A win on the 19th hole against Deeside’s Oliver Robertson then teed up a final against Lawson – one of the rising stars of the game.

In the final, Mclellan edged ahead on the second, but Lawson fought back to take the lead through seven.

The Stirling ace won the eighth with a par and a birdie on 13 edged him ahead before Lawson lost a ball off the tee on 14 to allow the 31-year-old to double his advantage.

When an errant tee shot from Lawson disappeared into the bushes on the left of 16, the way was clear for Mclellan to seal the victory.

He added: “To see so many friends and family here was incredible.

“In the real world people shouldn’t drive two and a half hours from Stirling to watch ME play golf – but they did and it’s truly appreciated.

“It’s going to be a great party – and I can’t wait to celebrate!”

Scottish Golf confirmed that the 2027 edition will take place at Prestwick Golf Club and Irvine Golf Club next July.

Report courtesy Scottish Golf