August 4th 2007
Farewell - Willie Fulton
What a weekend! Fresh from a drenching on Friday, and battering from the wind on Saturday; Monday saw a combination of both extremes try to spoil what was the eagerly awaited return trip to Scarista to play against Harris G.C. Three games of golf in four days in what can only be described as “trying” conditions is enough to test anyone’s mettle, but when ones “game” is struggling, and you aren’t really enjoying yourself, then it can put a strain on a mans relationship with his clubs. My clubs sometimes don’t play well, primarily off the tee, so I have been changing what I normally hit, in my efforts to try and find a new, more reliable “friend”. The need to hit the fairway (preferably the one I am playing at the time) is of paramount importance given the set-up of the course this summer. In an effort to not only enhance the appearance of the course, but to make accurate play a necessity if you want to score well, the “rough“ has been allowed to grow, and any wayward tee-shot will be met with the penalty it deserves. I have been very wayward. I have tried driver, three wood, rescue” hybrid”, and now in an effort to finish with the same ball I started, one iron, in an attempt to shoot just one decent score this summer. Sometimes when I am fed up tinkering with clubs, and changing what I hit off the tee, I will ( despite what I said about the same ball) change my ball ( it’s allowed , between holes, providing you tell your partners) if I feel it isn’t playing well.
That is, in essence, how silly it has become this summer. My clubs haven’t been playing well, and sometimes it’s the ball that has an off day. Other days I forget to wear my lucky socks, bring my rabbit’s foot or cross John Grahams’ palm with Grouse. Ok, so maybe I’m not superstitious, but Matthew Gloag & Sons need never fear. I am also not so daft as to think the problem doesn’t lie ( literally) in my own hands.Last year around this time I broached the subject of my poor form only to be told, by the folk who know these things, that I was officially the worst player in the club (measured against handicap increase). That was a bit of a wake up call, and like any good psychiatrist will tell you, sharing your problems can sometimes be the kind of catharsis needed to help one overcome a particularly difficult time.
Who knows? But one thing’s sure; I’m definitely playing some amount of keech. And it’s not the clubs and balls that are to blame.
This weekend saw the club complete two local “derby” fixtures against rivals Ullapool and Harris. On Friday, Ullapool took a healthy lead back over the Minch (a very inclement Minch), and despite our best efforts to retain the Duke of York (Friday the 13th) Trophy, they managed to hang on, and deservedly claim the silverware. Losing 5.5 to 0.5 in Ullapool heaped the pressure on us from the outset, and with Ullapool sportingly bringing a team of eight (pairs) across for the second leg (they could have brought only four to make sure of winning!) we were definitely in with a chance. Winning 6-2 on the day however was not enough, and Ullapool Captain John MacLeod’s delight at securing his first win in this fixture was evident. Not even the incessant rain on the day could dampen their spirits. Well done John, well played Ullapool.
On Monday we ventured to Harris to see if we could hang onto our 5-2 lead from the home tie. Despite a gale (handily combined with aforementioned incessant rain), Scarista again proved that despite what the elements may throw at you, it is always a joy to visit. We managed to narrowly prevail on the day (4-3) and retain the Roineval Trophy, but the occasion was more important, and poignant to us all, as it marked the occasion of Willie Fulton’s last captaincy of this annual fixture. Having spent the past 13 years as club captain, Willie has been instrumental in the success of the club, in helping promote their wonderful links, and in ensuring that, despite its size and remoteness, it continues to sparkle and be recognised nationally and internationally. Willie has done a wonderful job over the years and everyone from Stornoway G. C. wishes him well in his “retirement” from office.
Squeezed in between playing in the rain, and playing in the rain and wind was Saturdays Arthritis Care Shield, played in just the wind. Mastering the tricky conditions, and showing that he still has the winning touch, last years captain, Johnny “Cloody” MacLeod, triumphed on a very difficult day for all who participated. Second was Donald “Sweeney” MacSween, and third place was claimed by Wednesday’s Kenny MacKay Shield winner, Greg Brown. Greg has shaved five shots off his handicap already this summer, and spurred on by wife Morag’s recent conversion to golf( and already proven ability with a putter) he is determined not to be outdone in the bragging rights come the end of the season. Morag has already shown her competitive streak in her ventures onto the fairways, and if not very soon, then soon, I expect to be writing, not only about her cooking, but her golfing.
One lady who has had her golfing exploits written about in these notes since she began playing at the club is Mary Joyce. Guess who won on Saturday (again!). Yes, Mary triumphed for her seventh win in eight starts recently, and the question now is, will Tom buy an estate car in time for the next club prize-giving?
Next week sees mini-golf week, commencing on Wednesday , culminating in what will doubtless be “midge “ Friday , but great fun nonetheless. The sheets for entries are on the wall in the clubhouse, and I urge as many people as possible to turn out to support the club.
Kenny MacKay Shield( Wednesday 1st August)
Greg Brown 63
Stephen Moar 64
Chris M Graham 67
Ladies Saturday Medal Qualifier ( Saturday 4st August)
Mary Joyce 77
Jayne Nicolson 81
Arthritis Care Shield ( Saturday 4st August)
John MacLeod 66
Donald MacSween 68
Greg Brown 68
Willie Fulton
Ullapool Golf Club
John Macleod
Greg Brown