June 16th 2007
NO NEED FOR EXTRA PRESSURE(?)
A well known N.E. newspaper apparently in its’ headline after the sinking of the Titanic proclaimed “Local man drowns in Atlantic”. I wouldn’t normally pick up this paper, but on the eve of the U.S.Open, I read my mothers’ copy with interest when I saw the advice it was giving to Royal Aberdeen G.C. golfer, and U.S.amateur champion, Richie Ramsay.
Having been paired with the best golfer on the planet on the first day, Mr Ramsay sought out the famous “Tiger” in the practice ground on the eve of the event and introduced himself as one of his playing partners for the first round. He, sensibly, asked advice on what an amateur should bring to the first tee on such an occasion ( the Tiger having played as an amateur himself in this prestigious event early in his career). The great man responded with the same advice that he had been given, had adopted, and had benefitted from ….“ Watch and learn “
The advice from the paper, and without wishing to heap pressure on the boy (obviously), was that maybe the Tiger could learn from their hero.
We all have our heroes, and favourites, and we all know what it is like to stand on the first tee with a little weight of expectation on our shoulders. A very little. Usually reserved for the first tee in the Western Isles, or the Club Championship, and even then, at least we are somewhat realistic. For a few holes anyway.
We do not need to pile on any extra pressure, because most of us have shown ourselves to be completely incapable of handling it.
What pressure then on a very decent (but amateur, nonetheless) golfer standing on the tee in the second biggest tournament on the planet, and being asked to give the world number one some lessons? Building someone up is one thing, and we should be encouraged to offer as much constructive support as possible, but overloading the weight of expectation is another.
To this end and in light of a fantastic score on Saturday last, I would like to propose that a new favourite be installed for this years’ Western Isles Championship which is only three weeks away. With several of the obvious favourites away on International duty, but with a very strong field still in evidence, the betting is still very open for this years’ competition. Everyone head down to the local turf accountant and avail themselves of the ridiculous odds of 1000/1 against Domhnall Hamish winning the scratch event this year. O.K., maybe I’m being ridiculous, the handicap event is probably where he will start overwhelming favourite.
With the course now turning brown, and the fairways and greens taking on a “links” feel, we are seeing lots of subtle changes to the scoring, and to the people doing the scoring. Most folk, even the shortest of hitters, can easily reach the greens in regulation given the longer carry, and anyone with a bit of experience of seaside (links) play will have a distinct advantage. The ability to “bump and run” the ball to the target is paramount, and being smart around the greens is vital. Who are the smartest and most experienced golfers in the club? The seniors, obviously, and Domhnall H. This was evident in Saturday’s scoring with the wily John MacKinnon winning the GreenKeepers benefit with an excellent nett 64, narrowly pipping DH by a shot.
The changes in the course over a month would have me embarrassingly calling for rain if I didn’t know better. The remarkable turn around in conditions are actually a delight, and make us all adapt to the different shot making we need to employ to score well. Well, the more adaptable of the membership anyway, but certainly not this writer. I can struggle in any conditions.
Quite a few of the golfers on Saturday appeared top be attempting what looked to be rain-dances from a distance, as their balls disappeared into the rough, their approaches bounced through the greens and their putts sailed well past the hole.
Three folk who seem to have been having little, or no, difficulty in scoring well this past fortnight, hit the headlines again with some magnificent golf. Mairi MacIver consolidated her place as the best lady golfer in the club this year, as did Ally Gillies in the Juniors. Ally has obviously been reading the notes, and is rising to the challenge of reducing his handicap to single figures by the end of the year, having dropped seven shops off his starting nineteen handicap already. Shooting some of his best scores this season, and reducing his handicap by three (more difficult when off low teens), Alex Nicolson is back at his rightful single-figure status, and burning up the course. Winning the qualifier on Wednesday evening, he captured his third winners slot with a brilliant gross 70(nett 60), and must now be amongst the favourites for the Galloway aggregate.
OK…have I put enough unnecessary pressure on enough people?
This weekend sees what has become one of the best events in the golfing calendar, The MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Trophy. Brilliantly organised by Willie Smith (and not forgetting Mrs Smith) this competition is not only one of the best attended, but one of the best fed days of the year. Trophies abound in all categories, and everyone is guaranteed a great day out, a chance of success, and a full stomach. Given the hard work put in yearly by Willie in setting up this day, and the very worthwhile cause it supports, could I encourage as many folk as possible to participate, and to make a contribution?
Ladies Tuesday Medal Qualifier 12th June
1 Mairi Maciver 69 Overall Winner
2 Ann Galbraith 70 Overall Runner-Up
3 Irene Mackenzie 72 Overall Third
Caledonian Medal Qualifier/TCB Trophy 13th June
1 Alex Nicolson 60 Division 1 Winner
2 Allan Macleod 62
3 Norrie Munro 63 Division 2 Winner
Juniors Greenkeepers Benefit 16th June
1 Aladsdair Gillies 59 Overall Winner
2 Uilleam Macleod 59
3 Scott Macaulay 61
Ladies Greenkeepers Benefit 16th June
1 Mairi Maciver 69 Overall Winner
2 Jane Nicolson 72 Overall Runner-Up
3 Mary Joyce 72 Overall Third
Mens Greenkeepers Benefit 16th June
1 John Mackinnon 64 Division 2 Winner
2 D.J.Maclean 65
3 Bryan Geddes 67 Division 1 Winner
John Mackinnon