Scottish-based American lands maiden win on Tartan Pro Tour
John Vogelpohl cements top spot in battle for two HotelPlanner Tour cards in 2027
John Vogelpohl, an American who has lived in Scotland for the last 14 years, cemented his position at the top of the Tartan Pro Tour Order of Merit after landing a first win as a professional.
The Gleneagles-based player carded rounds of 68-62-71 for a 12-under-par total and a three-shot victory over Michael Stewart in the MacDonald Spey Valley Masters presented by Novellus in Aviemore.
In picking up a cheque for £3,335, Vogelpohl took his season’s earnings on the Scottish-based circuit to just under £20,000.
With three events to go, he tops the Order of Merit by more than £4,700 from Ayrshireman Stewart in the battle for two cards on next season’s Hotel Planner Tour.
“It’s been a great season so far and it feels amazing to get a win,” admitted Vogelpohl, who is originally from Ohio but now lives near Crieff.
“I feel like all year I’ve been really close, but it just hasn’t happened for me, so it is nice to get across the finishing line finally.
“I’ve not won a professional event before this one. I think the last event I won was a junior one, so this is very refreshing for me and I wi;l definitely enjoy it.”
After his sensational second round, Vogelpohl led by a shot from Sam Locke (67-64) heading into the closing circuit.
“I didn’t feel I was in control because it was like a hurricane out there!” he added. “When Sam lost a ball, I was thinking I should maybe just try to play safe from then on, but then Michael started coming up on my heels. His putting was just perfect and I was getting nervous, to be honest.
“I just trusted that if I could keep it in play and make pars, then I would be okay.”
The St Andrews Classic and Duddingston Classic are the next two events before the campaign concludes with the Gleneagles Masters.
“I feel more comfortable now because it feels as though it takes me out of reach of a few guys and hopefully it takes some pressure off my game for the next few events as I would be thrilled to finish the season in the top spot,” admitted the leader.
Vogelpohl has already shown that he can hold his own on the HotelPlanner Tour after finishing third in the Scottish Challenge at Schloss Roxburghe last month.
“I thank the Tartan Pro Tour for preparing me for this over the years,” he admitted. “I’ve played a lot of great courses and Michael [MacDougall, the Tartan Pro Tour tournament controller) doesn’t make it easy with his course set ups, so you’ve got to be really sharp.”
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