Stornoway Golf Club

February 9th 2008

ARTHUR MACINTOSH; SOLO VIRTUOSO

I have mentioned before how well a single golfer needs to play, in what is ostensibly a pairs competition, to make any impression on the scoring on any given Saturday. I’ve no doubt mentioned as well how difficult it is to score when the weather turns as inclement as it did last weekend (Sunday excepted) without the benefit of any “back-up” from your partner. “No-shows” by young,”fit” men have been highlighted in this column, and derided, where a mere squall has kept folk indoors when the foolish, sorry, committed, amongst us have ventured out to battle the elements (usually in vain).

When I asked young Arthur MacIntosh as to the whereabouts of his partner (father, Douggie)on Saturday, I knew full well that on such an afternoon he would surely be ensconced by his fireside, paper on his knee, pipe fully stoked, and if he was lucky, a glass of decent malt on a table nearby. He would be looking out across Broad Bay hoping the young fellow wouldn’t need him, and thinking “Wouldn’t it be great to live over there?”

Having spent two hours stuck on the wrong side of the Braighe last Friday, I may have had some reservations as to such a sentiment, but as a Rudhach born and bred, I understand that such sacrifices are but a small price to pay to be from the “chosen” side.

As an octogenarian, Douggie has every right to pick and choose his days to play golf. Given the choice between getting soaked to the skin on a windy day, and staying at home with a dram and some rough shag, then heaven forbid, at eighty plus( should we make it), any of us are ever tempted to opt for the latter.

Not if we have a son, or partner, who can claim all fifteen points on their own, rocket their team into second place (only one point off the lead) and be home by tea-time. I reckon he changes in a telephone kiosk on the way to the club.

Partner Neil and I witnessed another master-class on our way to parting with yet another £1 last weekend. Club legend Ken Galloway, ably assisted, in what even he will admit was a supporting role, by John “Cloody” Macleod, seemed to be well on their way to claiming top spot, before an expensive bogey-bogey finish consigned them to second place and twelve points.

Ken has concentrated more on his other passion, angling, in recent years following an eye operation; but the touch evident on Saturday proved that age is no barrier when you have ability in abundance, and a legacy of experience gleaned from years as the top golfer in the Western Isles. His lob wedge from between the wall and the bunker on the Avenue (our first hole) into the hole for a birdie two was simply class. He then proceeded to display a short game and putting skills which reminded this correspondent of Ken at his best. Not withstanding this, he never missed a fairway either.

Ken at his best was always too good for everyone else, and last weekend he must have sensed a return to what he knows to be something akin to his “A” game.

With the Onetel/TalkTalk trophy beginning next week (everyone back to their starting handicaps, you all should know the drill), current holders Malcolm ”Wahid” MacIver and Duncan ”Scalpelhands” MacLean showed a timely return to form with an excellent one under 43 for nine points. Kenny ”5” MacIver and Allan “Biddley” MacLeod similarly shot 43 for decent points and put clear daylight between themselves and their challengers ( you know who you are )in their private battle for summer bragging rights.

Other impressive scoring of the day saw , plus handicap pairs , Andy MacDonald & Neil Rowlands and Murdo “Hollo” MacLennan & David Black score gross under-par rounds on a day when “slogging” it out was the order of the day for many.

Once again, well played, to everyone who took part.

In the Juniors, Scott MacAulay moved to the top of the leaderboard by dint of his second place finish; but clear winner on the day by a massive 15 shots was Kevin Gillies who shot a brilliant 42 nett for maximum points.

Taking advantage of the luxury of being able to sleep late, play at your leisure, and pick the best weather( whaddaya mean jealous?)my senior correspondent writes:

Having bemoaned the weather for the past few weeks we were treated to two of the nicest days imaginable (for the time of year) on Tuesday and Wednesday.

With a new course layout this week it was perhaps inevitable that someone was going to make the mistake of heading from the Miller green in the direction of the Ditch or Glen tee. It’s almost an automatic reaction – stuff the putter in the bag and turn right, as we do every week of the year. Unfortunately, Dennis Hall and his playing partners did exactly that, and doubly unfortunately he had hit a cracking drive up the Glen fairway before the following group pointed out that they should have been playing the Ranol instead.

Back in the clubhouse there was much discussion about what sanctions should be applied. A hastily convened committee decided that a two stroke penalty was appropriate. In case anyone asks, decisions taken by the senior’s committee are very final and take precedence over any R&A rulings.

All this was rather a pity as Dennis’ 27 points were reduced to 25, allowing Dixie MacLean to scoop the “pot” with 26 points. For someone who never wins anything (he says), Dixie did rather well this week.

Despite his reduced score, Dennis still heads the league table but his lead has narrowed to two points. The top two are pulling away slightly from the chasing pack but a couple of good scores could change all that.

Scores Saturday 09.02.08 Gross H/C Nett Points

A Macintosh & JD Macintosh 45 4 41 15

J A Macleod & KW Galloway 47 5 42 12

M Maciver & D A Maclean 51 8 43 9

All Macleod & K Maciver 46 3 43 9

Ali Maclennan & Neil Macleod 56 12 44 4

Sandy Bruce & E Mackenzie 49 5 44 4

I Todd & Zebo 51 7 44 4

D Black & M Maclennan 43 +1 44 4

M Smith & Coi Macaulay 48 4 44 4

R Martin & N Mackenzie 49 5 44 4

A Macdonald & N Rowlands 43 +1 44 4

League Leaders Points

Murdo & Magnus Johnston 82

Arthur & Douggie MacIntosh 81

C Robertson & R Galloway 78

J Duncan & G Macaskill 76

Ali Nicolson & Al"Greens"MacLeod 75

Senior -Top Scores

Dixie MacLean 26

Dennis Hall 25

Robbie MacRae 24

Norrie Munro 24

Senior League Table

Dennis Hall 243

Norrie Munro 241

Norrie MacLean 229

‘Bronco’ MacArthur 229

Junior Scores Saturday 09.02.08 Gross H/C Nett Points

Kevin Gillies 60 22 42 10

Scott Macaulay 59 2 57 8

Charlie Morrison 66 7 59 5

Kenneth Macleod 76 73 63 2

Junior League Leaders Points

Scott Macaulay 84

Stuart Macaulay 77

Kenneth Macleod 74

Charlie Morrison 74