June 23rd 2007
Age is no barrier when it comes to Golf
The opening qualifying rounds played, golf week now approaches the final stages with the finals due to be played on Friday(tomorrow).
The opening day’s weather was kind in the morning but by late afternoon the rain came but that did not affect the scoring of the eventual qualifiers. In the scratch competition the outcome of the top eight was not known until the final group of the day came in and the clubhouse with buzzing with excitement as everyone kept an eye on the leaderboard.In the end David “Kiwi” Macleod and Murdo O’Brien were tied for a place in that exclusive final eight qualifiers so a four hole play-off was required which did not tee off until 9.15pm. The result could not be closer with Murdo bogeying the first hole and securing pars on the next three and David securing pars on all four holes. Also worthy of mention is that stalwart Robbie Macrae who qualified again this year having come in with an impressive 72 gross in his second round. It is also worth noting that when you look at the qualifiers for both the scratch and handicap the number of seasoned campaigners who have made it through which goes to show that age is no barrier when it comes to golf so there is hope for us all yet. Neil Rowlands, always there or there about played some steady golf and will be hard to beat with the usual suspects of Al “Greens” Macleod and Cal Robertson ones to watch out for as well. Andrew Limmer and Mik Smith have also made it through and we know both are capable of going all the way. That leaves the youngsters of Bryan Geddes and David “Kiwi” making up the final eight and they must fancy their chances having got this far.All eyes are now on the knockout stages which started yesterday and the final of the scratch starts at 4.30pm where it expected a large crowd will turn out and watch. Members of the public are welcome to attend the finals, all of which are held on Friday afternoon, the first of which tees off at 1pm.
In the open handicap there was some impressive scoring as well with Peter O’Brien showing the rest of the field how its done with a magnificent two rounds of 67 net followed closely behind by Ken Macdonald who is Mr Consistency himself. Ali “Baba” Macleod, who has not played a lot of golf this year, showed he still has the potential by easing through to the knockout stages as well. Bronco Macarthur, the quiet guy with the impeccable use of the English language has quietened his critics and must be confident he can go all the way. Colin Robertson(visitor) who did not get off to the best of starts, shows us all that if you persevere you will get your just rewards. Kenny Maciver has made it through again and his powerful hitting might suit the conditions for him to be a serious threat to the others. Dave Gilmour, Match & Handicap is brimming with confidence, so much so, that he is showing other committee members how to use the software for recording the scores as he plans to be out on the course for the remainder of the week! The final qualifier was Neil “the Barber” Morrison but a summons to the offshore platform has secured the final slot for Eddie Mackenzie who had the next best score.
The ladies started their golf week with a Stableford competition and way out in front with a very impressive 36 points was Kirsty Macleod, visiting from Rothsey. In the open qualifier on Monday the scoring was very close but eventual winner was Jan Maclennan with a fine net 68 and joining her in the latter stages are Rita Macdonald, Kirsty Macleod and Jean Gordon(visitor) who just managed to qualify as Ann Galbraith had the same net score but but virtue of a better inward half Jean got the qualification spot.
The Juniors one day open was equally close with Scott Macaulay coming out eventual winner with a net 62 with Andrew Macmillan only one shot behind and Aladair Gillies in third place with a 66. The Junior section has flourished over the last year or two thanks to the efforts of the coaching staff and it is great to see such competitive golf amongst the younger players.