PEEBLES golfer Darren Howie was celebrating a double success with back-to-back wins in two of Scotland’s leading junior events over the past fortnight.

The 16-year old Peebles High School pupil took top spot in the individual event at the Scottish Boys Area Team Championship at Grangemouth with a fine 68, winning the prestigious Niagara Cup.

But more was to come last weekend at nearby Macdonald Cardrona.

Hosted by Ryder Cup star and three-time European Tour winner Stephen Gallacher, 72 of the country’s best young golfers teed it up over three rounds in the Stephen Gallacher Foundation Trophy.

With the man himself on the first tee to encourage the players, joined by Ryder Cup vice-captain and former Open Champion Paul Lawrie, it was an inspiring stage for the latest Scottish Boys Order of Merit event, none more motivated than Howie.

He surged to the top of the leaderboard on the first day with Superb rounds of 68 and 67 on the Saturday, giving him a huge seven-shot lead overnight on 9-under par.

Despite a three-over 75 on the Sunday, the local star couldn’t be caught by the chasing pack, finishing with a 6-under par 210 total to take the coveted title by two shots.

The watching Gallacher was hugely impressed by Howie’s performance, and allied to brother Craig’s three top-10 finished in his last three events at the top of the international amateur stage, the future continues to look bright for Peebles dynamic golfing duo.

There were further celebrations for the family as Craig was called up to play for Scotland in next month’s European Amateur Team Championships at Golf Club de Chantilly in France, representing the defending champions in a six-man team.

Previous players in the event include Colin Montgomerie, Sergio Garcia and Rory McIlroy, with the Peebles man set to line-up against the continent’s best.