Scottish Golf North Men’s Order of Merit

A fantastic start to the Taylor Engineering Men’s Order of Merit season today at the North District Championship hosted by Boat of Garten Golf Club.

The 36-hole event was won by former European Tour player Duncan Stewart, who showed his class in tough conditions with superb rounds of 71 and 69 after returning to the amateur ranks.
Alan Murphy and David Joel shared second place on 141, with “DJ” – the Invernesian Geordie – leading the way after round one thanks to an excellent opening 69.

A strong field featuring many of the North’s top players battled the elements throughout the day, and special mention goes to defending champion Jamie Whittet. After a difficult opening round of 79, Jamie showed incredible determination and resilience to bounce back with a tournament-best 66 in round two, to bag himself some valuable Order of Merit points!

A huge thank you to all of our sponsors for their continued support this season:

• Taylor Engineering Services
• Grant Smith Law Practice
• EAL Electrical
• First Tee Fitness

The first Order of Merit standings of the season are posted below ⛳🏆

⛳️ The wait is over — the 2026 Taylor Engineering Men’s Order of Merit gets underway THIS SUNDAY at Boat of Garten Golf & Tennis Club

The North’s very best players will all be in action this weekend as they battle it out over 36 holes of strokeplay in what promises to be a fantastic day of competitive golf. 🔥

🏆 The top 16 players will qualify for the Matchplay Finals at Inverness Golf Club this August

💰 Total Men’s Prize Fund: £730
🥇 Medals up for grabs
👊 Under 21 prizes available
🏌️ Team Championship also on the line

A huge thank you to our fantastic sponsors for supporting the Order of Merit this season:

👏 Taylor Engineering
👏 EAL Electrical
👏 Grant Smith Law Practice
👏 First Tee Fitness

Special thanks to Jordan at First Tee Fitness who is providing an excellent winner’s bonus this weekend — the North District Champion will receive:

🎯 1 Month FREE Online Personal Training

👀 Spectators are very welcome throughout the day, so come along and watch some of the best golfers in the North compete at one of Scotland’s finest venues.

Best of luck to everyone competing this Sunday — we’re looking forward to a fantastic start to the season at 'The Boat' ⛳️

Please find the first draw for the Men’s North District Championship 2026, being held at Boat of Garten Golf & Tennis Club on Sunday 17th May. 🏆⛳️

Late entries are being accepted by emailing [email protected] 📧

A reminder, this event is a counting event on the Scottish Golf North Men’s Order of Merit! 📊

Boat of Garten Greenkeeper

Reminder that the Men's North District Championship 2026 takes place on Sunday 17th May 2026 at Boat of Garten Golf & Tennis Club. ⛳🏆🏌️

Enter here 👉 https://sg-north.com/event/north-district-championship-team-championship/

This event is also a key event in the Scottish Golf North Men’s Order of Merit.📊

The top 16 players will qualify for the North District Matchplay Championship, which will take place at Inverness Golf Club in August 🏆

🔌🏌️‍♂️ Proud Sponsor Announcement – EAL Electrical 🏌️‍♂️🔌

We’re delighted to welcome EAL Electrical as an official sponsor of the Scottish Golf North Men’s Order of Merit 2026!

Based in the heart of Speyside, EAL Electrical are trusted local experts delivering reliable, fully qualified electrical services across the Cairngorms and the Highlands. From domestic rewires and lighting design to commercial and industrial projects, their team combines strong local knowledge with top-level technical expertise.

⚡ What they offer:
• Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs)
• Fault finding & diagnostics
• Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
• Building warrant projects & certification
• Domestic, commercial & industrial work

As SELECT-accredited electricians, EAL Electrical meet the highest standards of Scotland’s Electrical Contractors’ Association — giving customers complete confidence in their workmanship.

Their reputation speaks for itself: prompt, professional and stress-free service with clear advice and top-quality results.

We’re proud to partner with a company that shares our commitment to excellence, precision and performance — both on and off the course.

If you’re looking for trusted, qualified electricians who know the Highlands inside-out, remember the name EAL Electrical.

Thank you for your support of the 2026 Order of Merit! 🙌

Alan Scott

We’re delighted to have Grant Smith Law Practice on board as one of our 2026 North District Men’s Order of Merit sponsors! ⛳🏆

Grant Smith Law Practice is a well-established Scottish firm with a proud history spanning over 30 years. Today, their directors are supported by a dedicated team of qualified solicitors, paralegals, property assistants and support staff, all committed to delivering a high standard of service to their clients.

They offer expert legal advice and property transaction services throughout the North and North-East of Scotland, assisting individuals, families and businesses across a wide range of areas including property, family law, criminal defence, corporate matters and more. With offices across the region, they continue to be a trusted name in the communities they serve.

We are extremely grateful for their support of county golf in the North as we continue to grow and raise the profile of the Men’s Order of Merit.

Please join us in thanking Grant Smith Law Practice for backing our players and competitions for 2026! 👏

Golf North

🏌️‍♂️ Introducing Taylor Engineering Ltd - the title sponsor of this year's Order of Merit.

Scottish Golf North is delighted to announce that the 2026 North Men’s Order of Merit will be known as the Taylor Engineering Order of Merit, following a very generous contribution from Taylor Engineering Services Ltd.

Renowned, reputable and reliable, Taylor Engineering Services Ltd brings over 50 years of combined industry experience. The company specialises in bespoke and engineered fabrication, coded welding, pipefitting and maintenance, supporting industries including malt whisky, waste water, and food & drink, to name just a few.

Their commitment to quality, precision and long-term partnerships reflects the very values at the heart of competitive amateur golf – dedication, consistency and the pursuit of excellence.

The Taylor Engineering Order of Merit will showcase the very best of men’s amateur golf across the North of Scotland in 2026, rewarding performance, commitment and competitive spirit throughout the season. With Taylor Engineering’s support, we look forward to enhancing the profile of the Order of Merit and delivering an exceptional experience for players, clubs and supporters alike.

We extend our sincere thanks to Taylor Engineering Services Ltd for their investment in amateur golf in the North. We are excited to build a strong partnership and a memorable 2026 season together.

Further details on events and standings will be announced in due course.

🏌️‍♂️🔥 IT’S BACK — AND IT’S BIGGER THAN EVER! 🔥🏌️‍♂️

The 2026 Taylor Engineering Men’s Order of Merit fixtures are here… and honestly, if this doesn’t make you want to dust off the sticks and book tee times immediately, check your pulse.

This season brings some serious spice 🌶️ with:
✅ Orion Group Inverness 4 Day Open
✅ North District Matchplay Championship
✅ The Sinclair Cup
✅ The Abdul Ghani
✅ A DOUBLE King Trophy weekend 👑👑

All proudly under our newly named Taylor Engineering Men’s Order of Merit — massive thanks to our headline sponsor for backing elite golf in 'the North'.

Now the big question…

👀 Who rises to the top in 2026?

👑 Can Nairn’s own Jamie Whittet hang on to his “King in the North” crown?

⛳ Or is there a new sheriff in the shire?

One thing’s for sure — after seeing this fixture list, everyone should be absolutely itching to get back out on the links.

📢 Stay tuned for sponsorship announcements, prizes, and full Order of Merit details coming soon…

Let the golf do the talking.
Bring on the season. 💥🏌️‍♂️

🏆 Order of Merit 2025 – Season Concludes at Nairn 🏆
The curtain has come down on this year’s Scottish Golf North Men’s Order of Merit, with the David Blair Trophy at Nairn providing a fitting finale.

The Championship was won by Hunter Kinnear (Cruden Bay), with strong performances across the 72 holes. The leading eligible North players inside the top 10 were:

David Blair Trophy – North Player OoM Points

Lewis Reid – T4 → 416.66 pts
Michael Schinkel – T8 → 150 pts
Ben Wain – T8 → 150 pts
David Joel – T8 → 150 pts
Scott Brown – T8 → 150 pts

📊 Final OoM Standings – Top 5

1️⃣ Jamie Whittet (Nairn Golf Club) – 2023.75 pts
➡️ North District Champion, Boat of Garten Champion, Stevie McIntosh Open Champion. The most committed competitor on tour this year, and a richly deserved OoM Champion 2025.
🏅 Prize: 20 hours of simulator time (Performance Centre, Moray GC) + £700 voucher + dozen premium balls.

2️⃣ Lewis Reid (Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club Links) – 1699.99 pts
➡️ Black Isle Open Champion and a strong T4 at the David Blair. A brilliant season, rewarded with 2nd place in the OoM.
🏅 Prize: £500 voucher + dozen premium balls.

3️⃣ Ryan Copland (Moray Golf Club & Pro Shop) – 1395 pts
➡️ North District runner-up, Boyd Anderson Champion, King Trophy Champion. Ruthlessly efficient in limited outings.
🏅 Prize: £350 voucher + dozen premium balls.

4️⃣ Craig Smith (Moray Golf Club & Pro Shop) – 793.75 pts
➡️ A consistent scorer all year, highlighted by a podium finish at the Boyd Anderson.
🏅 Prize: £250 voucher + dozen premium balls.

5️⃣ Tom Ross (Reay Golf Club) – 620 pts
➡️ Breakout season, with wins at the Millicent Bowl and Neil Howitt Memorial. A true contender for the future.
🏅 Prize: £200 voucher + dozen premium balls.

🙏 A huge thank you to our sponsors for making this year’s OoM possible:

Hawksley Joinery and Construction, MCJ Windows & Doors, EML Engineering, First Tee Fitness, and The Performance Centre at Moray GC.

👏 Congratulations to all players for a fantastic season – we can’t wait to see you back in 2026!

🔎 How the Season Has Unfolded

Jamie Whittet – Played almost everything on the schedule. North District Champion, plus wins at Boat of Garten and Stevie McIntosh Open. His dedication and late-season dominance has him out in front.

Ryan Copland – Ruthlessly efficient. Runner-up at the NDC, wins at Boyd Anderson & King Trophy, plus a top 5 finish at Kings. Not playing the David Blair, so he’s locked on 1395.

Lewis Reid – Always dangerous. NDC podium, Black Isle Open champion, and steady points throughout. Less than 100 behind Copland, and could finish 2nd overall with a good week at Nairn.

Craig Smith – High participation has paid off with consistent mid-to-high finishes. Solid 4th, but could be caught by Ross with a big result.

Tom Ross – On fire mid-season with wins at the Millicent Bowl and Neil Howitt Memorial. Needs another big haul to challenge Smith for 4th.

R Allan L Cameron – Quietly steady, collecting points across several events without a win. That consistency has him inside the top 6.

🔮 David Blair Trophy at Nairn – Points on Offer

1st: 1000 | 2nd: 750 | 3rd: 600 | 4th: 500 | 5th: 400 | 6th: 350 | 7th: 300 | 8th: 250 | 9th: 200 | 10th: 150

Here’s how the finale could shape the OoM:

Whittet (2023.75) – Title is his to lose. Any top-10 almost certainly secures the OoM crown.

Copland (1395) – Absent. He stays on 1395 and will likely finish 2nd or 3rd overall.

Reid (1283.33) – Needs 10th place (150 pts) or better to leapfrog Copland. A win (1000 pts) would give him 2283.33, which could even pip Whittet if Jamie finishes outside the top 8.

Smith (793.75) – Safe for a top 5 finish, but vulnerable to Ross. Needs a top 6 to guarantee holding 4th.

Ross (620) – Could climb as high as 4th with a strong finish (top 3). A win could even push him close to Reid/Copland if they falter.

Cameron (531.75) – Needs another solid showing to move into the money spots. A top 5 at Nairn could put him beyond Ross and Smith.

⚡️ The David Blair Trophy at Nairn is the last chance to move in the standings. With 1000 points up for grabs, anything can happen. Will Whittet hold firm, can Reid mount a late charge, or will a dark horse storm the top 8?

First Tee Fitness
The Performance Centre at Moray GC
MCJ Windows & Doors
EML Engineering
Hawksley Joinery and Construction

🏆 Whittet Extends His Lead at Kings 👑
📍 Kings GC, Inverness | 🗓 Saturday 9th August | Stevie McIntosh Memorial Open

With the season reaching its climax, Jamie Whittet once again proved why he’s the man to beat on the Order of Merit circuit. A composed 71 on an almost unplayably windy morning, was enough to secure victory at the Stevie McIntosh Memorial Open, adding yet another title to his incredible 2025 campaign.

Behind him, Scott Chisholm and Andrew Findlater shared second, while a tight pack followed just a few shots back in brutal conditions at Kings.

🔟 Top 10 & OoM Points Awarded

🥇 Jamie Whittet – 71 – 🏅 250 pts
T2️⃣ Scott Chisholm – 74 – 🏅 170 pts
T2️⃣ Andrew Findlater – 74 – 🏅 170 pts
4️⃣ Kyle Macleod – 75 – 🏅 125 pts
T5️⃣ Stuart Connell – 76 – 🏅 80 pts
T5️⃣ Euan McIntosh – 76 – 🏅 80 pts
T5️⃣ Alan MacBean – 76 – 🏅 80 pts
T5️⃣ Ryan Copland – 76 – 🏅 80 pts
T5️⃣ Jack Mann – 76 – 🏅 80 pts
T10️⃣ Ralph Wardlaw – 77 – 🏅 10 pts
T10️⃣ Garrie Ross – 77 – 🏅 10 pts
T10️⃣ Graeme Mellis – 77 – 🏅 10 pts
T10️⃣ David Sanderson – 77 – 🏅 10 pts
T10️⃣ Ross Naismith – 77 – 🏅 10 pts

🔥 Whittet’s win stretches his lead at the top of the OoM standings, setting up a dramatic finish at the season finale — the North of Scotland Open Amateur Championship for the David Blair Trophy this coming weekend.

With quadruple points on offer, it’s all to play for as the region’s finest look to close the gap. Can anyone stop Whittet from being crowned King of the North? 👑

Don't stray too far from your screens as we look to bring you the updated OoM table and a summary of exactly how each player has played their way into the top 5 this season....

The Performance Centre at Moray GC
First Tee Fitness
MCJ Windows & Doors
EML Engineering
Hawksley Joinery and Construction