May 5th 2007
SADLY MISSED FRIEND……AND SOME GOLF.
Last week we bid farewell to a much valued member of the club, Basil “ Baz” Perry who passed away after a period of illness which ultimately got the better of the big fellow.
Baz was a big man in every respect of the word. Big of stature, of heart and of voice, he leaves a void in the clubhouse which we cannot replace. It is hard to remember anyone who, in such a short space of time, managed to endear himself to everyone he came into contact with . He joined as recently as 2000, and in the seven intervening years became part of the fabric of our club, more especially amongst the “legends” (senior) section, but fondly, and with affection, amongst the entire membership.
A “legend” himself from several mainland tours where his quick wit and penchant for a song always entertained, he will be remembered for all the qualities he brought to our club, our island, and our lives.
Baz never won our club championship, never captained the club or broke the course record; yet we all courted his company on, and off, the course ,because he was one of the most genuinely likeable people any of us had ever met.
His great friend and playing partner, John MacKinnon commented that until the very end he had been cracking jokes with that twinkle in his eye, and knowing smile across his lips.
Testament to the esteem with which he was held, the club flag flew at half mast on Saturday, and many members from several of the clubs and societies of which Baz was a member, saw fit to pay tribute to our Celtic friend. The course itself was eerily bereft of golf on Saturday afternoon. Somehow it didn’t seem that important.
Our sympathies are with Norma and family at this time.
Knowing Baz, the last thing he would have wanted was for there to be no golf on a Saturday. He would have hated to have been any inconvenience, and, as he played till almost the very last when it became physically too difficult for him, he would have hated to see us miss our golf completely.
Winner of the Lewis Cup on Saturday was Willie MacAulay (sorry no pic) by virtue of the better inward half from a very relieved Dave Gilmour. Relieved in that he has not completely left his undoubted golfing ability at his previous club, Dave will be delighted to finally see his handicap heading in the right direction. Although only just over 5,000 yards, and with a Standard Scratch of 66/67 (depending on conditions), the course is not as “easy” as it appears on the card, and as mentioned previously , valiantly defends itself from all but the most competent round of golf. We have been trying for years to master its intricacies, with varying degrees of success; Dave is a relative newcomer and may have finally “cracked” it (well some of it) for the time being anyway.
Willie is no stranger to the winner’s enclosure, however, despite a couple of quiet months, and his fine inward half saw him claim his first trophy of the new season.
Monday saw the first leg of the annual Stornoway V’s Harris match, and whilst we were visited by the occasional shower, conditions remained bright and warm for what is the most enjoyable of friendly fixtures. With Stornoway captain Sandy Bruce being seconded onto the Harris team after one of their team couldn’t make it, we all awaited eagerly to see if “divided loyalties” would play any part in Sandy’s approach to his match. We should have known better. His loyalties (as does every true golfer’s) remained true to the last…..to golf. He played his heart out, gave his all, and magnificently contributes a point….to the Hearachs. The second leg in August, at Scarista, will be an interesting affair. Having never played the course before, Sandy has committed himself to definitely playing in this year’s second leg. We in Stornoway will be desperately trying to negotiate his release from Willie Fulton’s starting line up.
Making his senior “debut” was young Jordan MacLean. Fresh from acquiring “senior” status (playing off <10 as a junior), he partnered Neil MacKenzie to a well deserved point against the men from over the Clisham. Well done on the point Jordan. Well done with the fine play which has afforded you the handicap status your practice and skill richly deserve.
Afterwards we all enjoyed a sumptuous meal provided by our very own Hearach, Morag ( ably assisted by serving wenches Paul, Allan and Kenny ), and the usual exchange of future challenges for the “ away” visit to Harris. Many thanks to the team from Scarista for their usual sportsmanship, excellent company and stiff opposition. We have a healthy lead ( 5-2 ) for the away leg, but I would anticipate it not being the formality the scoreline suggests. In his last year as captain ( his thirteenth) I know Willie would dearly love to retire with the Roineval Trophy on his mantelpiece .
Stornoway Golf Club vs. Harris Golf Club
May 7th 2007
May 7th 2007
Jordan Maclean
Donna Macleod
