Stornoway Golf Club

December 8th 2007

NEW CHALLENGE AT THE TOP.

Since claiming maximum points in the first week of November, John “Shillegan” Gilles and Greg Brown have been somewhat quiet of late; not so the pairing of “DJ” MacLeod and Andrew Reeves. Both teams, however, made significant moves towards the top of the table last weekend by sharing top spot and claiming 14 points each. “DJ” and Andy have steadily been picking up points of late, and this moves them into joint 5th place, within touching distance of the leaders. John and Greg, though, are now in the runners up slot, and still have a nine shot allowance to play with. Could they be this years’ surprise packages? Last year we saw Chris and Chris ( Macleod and Shields) win the league having come from “nowhere” to win in a canter . Could the same thing happen this? Time will tell, but the Winter League format gives absolutely everyone, and every team a sporting chance.

The Senior’s Summer League prizegiving was held last Friday .

Overall winner and recipient of the Rodishan Bowl was Norrie Munro with his winter league partner John MacKinnon in the runner-up spot. Harris Mackenzie won the Bodach’s Cup for the Over-65’s section with Norrie MacLean as runner-up. Dan MacMillan was “Best Supporting Golfer” but was unable to collect his trophy as he has the good sense to spend the winter months in Tenerife. Robbie MacRae presented the prizes

In contrast with the calm conditions of the previous week, incessant rain and strong winds dominated the golfing scene this week. Four intrepid souls ventured out between the showers on Monday –apparently the golf was nothing to write home about, and sometimes we have days when it best just to appreciate being able to play.

Last week I wrote about “eclectic” scoring and of David Black’s fine record over the season. Match & Handicap secretary Dave Gilmour pointed out to me that young David’s back nine was completed in 24 , not 25 shots as I’d mentioned. I am happy to put the record straight.

Many articles have been written in the previous week about the recent meeting held in the club, and many opinions have been expressed.

From my own perspective ( and I will not venture any opinion here ) please allow me to put one thing straight ; everyone I speak to in the club has a decent sense of decorum and perspective about the “issue” of Sunday Golf.

It can be a shame to read and hear in the media opinions (and supposed “facts”) about a topic where the truth has not been allowed to get in the way of a “salacious” or controversial story.

Nobody in the club, certainly not it’s elected representatives, would “demand” anything from anyone. We have all been brought up to behave in a more civilised manner.

Scores Saturday 01.12.07.07 Gross H/C Nett Points

J Gillies & G Brown 48 11 37 14

DJ Macleod & A Reeves 43 6 37 14

N Munro & J Mackinnon 50 11 39 7

C Robertson & R Galloway 43 4 39 7

R Martin & N Mackenzie 47 8 39 7

A Macdonald & N Rowlands 41 2 39 7

DK Macleod & S Moar 44 5 39 7

M O'Brien & M Fraser 43 3 40 4

Ali Maclennan & Neil Macleod 52 12 40 4

J Maclean & P Maclean 45 4 41 1

Ross Macrae & P O'Brien 49 8 41 1

P Dickie & S Macdonald 47 6 41 1

All Macleod & K Maciver 46 5 41 1

S Maciver & D Gray 45 4 41 1

M Maciver & D A Maclean 49 8 41 1

G Macleod & G Mould 50 9 41 1

League Leaders Points

Murdo & Magnus Johnston 57

J Gillies & G Brown 52

Ali Nicolson & Al"Greens"MacLeod 51

Ian" Todd" MacKenzie & D.J."Zebo"MacLeod 50

DJ Macleod & A Reeves 46

Jamie Duncan & George MacAskill 46