Former Shire player takes a new course

And the ex-Clyde, Stirling Albion and East Stirlingshire midfielder was hoping for a home win this week when he teed off in the Lombard Trophy regional final at Cawder Golf Club.

He teamed up with PGA Professional Gordon Stewart to take part in the pro-am event over the Bishopbriggs course on Tuesday, June 14.

The duo were joined by players from clubs from Scotland to compete for a place in the £41,500 final at Pestana Golf Resort, Vila Sol, from September 22-23.

The Lombard Trophy in association with Coca-Cola attracts entries from more than 700 clubs and requires 14 regional finals to cater for the huge demand.

And Hay, who works in the golf retail industry, was hoping he and Stewart could gain some advantage as the host team.

But the 35-year-old from Stepps plays off scratch – and admitted his handicap meant they wouldn’t be getting too many shots in their favour.

And while he said it would be nice to win, the most important thing was to enjoy the event and hosting it at Cawder.

Hay switched to golf after retiring from football three years ago.

He said: “It’s strange because you’re used to having your Saturdays occupied by football and playing every week.

“So golf is filling all that for me although I’ve probably been playing on and off for around 25 years.

“And I’d love to try and get to the final - plus working in the industry means I can get the day off to play in this event!”

Also taking part in the event at Cawder were:

Ian Taylor and Hugh McIntyre (Drumpellier Golf Club), Martyn Huish and Andrew Madin (North Berwick Golf Club), Gareth Wright and Malcolm Ilgunas (West Linton Golf Club).

Robert Farrell and Lee Gibson (Cardross Golf Club) and David Murchie and David Simpson from (Crieff Golf Club).