GALASHIELS golfer Jack McDonald came within a whisker of reaching the last four at the Scottish Boys Amateur Championship last week.

A total of 128 of the leading young players from around the country lined up at Blairgowrie Golf Club.

The teenager from Gala remained close to the top of the leaders' board throughout the opening two days.

At one point Jack even led with four-under-par.

Jack completed the two opening rounds tied for sixth and automatically qualified for the matchplay stage of the tournament.

Following a walkover against Rothesay's Jack Reynolds on day one to reach the last 32, Jack beat Ruaridh Fenwick of Deeside on the 19th to reach the last 16.

Another steady performance took the Borders big hitter into the quarter finals.

The last eight match against eventual tournament runner-up, Cameron Gallagher of Longniddry proved to be the match of the tournament.

Jack was three down going through 12 holes despite being two-under-par.

But he managed to find a couple of birdies to level the scores going through 16.

Both players shot birdies at the 17th and pars at the 18th to take the match to an extra hole - with both golfers scoring four under.

Jack eventually lost the match at the third extra hole, despite being five under par.

Cameron Gallagher was edged out in the final by Ayr's Ruben Lindsay by one hole.

Jack is grateful for the continued support he receives from the Rowan Boland Trust and Club Sport Ettrick and Lauderdale.