May 3rd 2008
DONNIE MURRAY WINS LEWIS CUP
With the memory of last years “away” trip to play Harris G.C. at Scarista still fresh in the minds of many of the folk who boarded the mini-bus on Monday, there was only one thing certain; unless the effects of climate change could somehow render the weather 50 miles away the complete opposite of the balmy conditions in Stornoway, then we were already going to be in for a more pleasant outing than in 2007. Scarista is a joy irrespective of the elements, (yes, we know golfers are mad) but to say that we encountered somewhat inclement weather last time around would be akin to saying that Rangers have played somewhat attractive football on the way to their Quadruple this season. I’m a Hun, and I’ve eaten my words before.
Monday was nothing short of spectacular.
The sun split the sky, and although a light breeze by the shore came into play at several holes, nothing could prevent one’s breath being taken away by the setting of the course and the magnificence of the scenery. Keep your Augusta National and your Pebble Beaches. Give me Scarista, and a match with our old and good friends from south of the Clisham on a day like Monday, and I’m a happy man. So were all the golfers from both sides who took part in the first leg of the annual Roineval Trophy ; and as the 28 participants basked in the sunshine after the match with a bit of buffet and light refreshment tucked away, there was no better place to be. The recipe for 28 happy men could not be simpler. I know what you’re thinking.
The score in these matches, as I’ve said before, is immaterial; but it should be noted that the best result for the Harris side on the day was scored by deputy Hearach Dave Rattray, and partner, Harris leg-end Martin Imrie, against the pride of Stornoway’s elite Norrie “Onions” MacDonald and Martin “Midge” MacLeod. Neil “The Barber” Morrison was still laughing at dusk on hearing the result on our return.
On the home front, last week saw seniors legend Norrie Munro sweep to victory in Wednesday night’s Centenary Medal Stableford with a magnificent 40 points. Playing off the “whites” proved no obstacle to Norrie, and he could afford to build some sandcastles in the bunker on the 16th hole (no score) and still win by a clear point. Joint runners-up were Peter Grant, back from the North Sea oil bonanza, and Kevin Macrae who was never a fan of Bonanza. Kevin’s 39 points, playing off a handicap of just 2.0, was the first in a week which saw the scoring at last reflect the ability of some of our top golfers.
On Saturday in the Lewis Cup, Cal Robertson continued his fine form of late with an excellent 69(64) in the afternoon only to be usurped by Al “Greens” MacLeod 67(61) evening score. As both will testify (and several others historically), it is probably best to beware a man with a camera asking you to “say cheese”, and smile. As it is difficult to be on hand to take the picture of the winner, on a day which stretches from 8am-8pm, one can only hope to second guess what score will win. Or third guess at the eleventh hour, and still be wrong. My apologies guys, I’m sure that when a camera gets produced in future for the “winner”, everyone will wait until the result has been confirmed before flashing their pearly whites.
Winner on the day, by virtue of the better inward half, with a fine 61, was the pride of Tolsta (not Arthur MacIntosh for a change), Donnie Murray. Having now reduced his handicap by two shots this year already, Donnie is beginning to show the kind of form which should pay further dividends this season. Well done to him.
Christine MacLeod made a welcome return to what has been an “interesting” ladies winner’s rostrum this season to date. With the form book (ok, you can’t really have a form book after several short weeks) having disappeared out the window already (I heard on the grapevine that Anne Galbraith and Liz Carmichael won on Tuesday night?), we are seeing a variety of talent claiming silverware in 2008.
In the juniors, young Stuart Macaulay shaved 4 shots of his handicap on Saturday shooting a nett 60 in the teams of 3 competitions. Hopefully I will get some details of who else made up the winning team, and a photograph for this column.
Senior’s Winter League – w/e 3/5/2008
With the “summer season” now in full swing, the fair weather golfers are beginning to make an appearance on the course. We are pleased to report that Dan MacMillan has once again survived the hardships of winter in Tenerife.
Many people have commented on the condition of the course and improvement is being noted as each day passes. One of the biggest pluses this year has been the condition of the bunkers - some suspect that Cammy MacLeay is deliberately knocking his ball into the sand for the sheer joy of being able to splash out to within a foot or two of the flag.
The best scores of the week came from Norrie MacKenzie, proving once again that the ability to manoeuvre a golf ball accurately around the course is of prime importance. Not content with 38 points on Monday he proceeded to win the sweep on Friday with 36 points. Inland Revenue may need to be informed about all this additional income.
Centenary Medal Stableford 30th April 2008
Norrie Munro 40pts Overall & Division 2 Winner
Kevin MacRae 39pts Division 1 Winner
Peter Grant 39pts Division 2 Runner-Up
Junior Medal 3rd May 2008
Stuart MacAulay 60
Charlie Morrison 69
Stewart Munro 70
Ladies Health Board Trophy 3rd May 2008
Christine MacLeod 72
Jan MacLennan 75
Mary Joyce 76
Lewis Cup 3rd May 2008
Donnie Murray 61 Overall Winner
Alasdair "Greens" MacLeod 61 Division 1 Winner
Richard Galloway 63 Division 1 Runner-Up
Senior’s -Top Scores W/E 3rd May
Norrie MacKenzie 38
Dennis Hall 35
Duncan A MacLean 35
Norrie Munro 35
Harris vs. Stornoway May 2008