August 18th 2007
ALL WASHED OUT
With the first two rounds of this years’ Club Championship being washed out on Saturday, the main golfing story of the week centred round what is now one of the main club competitions, the Neil “The Barber” Morrison Trophy (ies). Last Wednesday saw Murdo O’Brien retain the trophy with a fine second round of 72 to complement his excellent opening 68, shot several weeks ago, in July. This is one of the few Scratch trophies competed for in the club, one the lower handicap players want to get their hands on, and fast becoming a “major” for our most accomplished players. Retaining the trophy is no mean feat, and proves that Murdo is, this year again, amongst the most consistent players in the club. The handicap version of the trophy, and greeted with somewhat less “fanfare” (apologies) was won by the “Silver Fox” from the senior section, “ Harris” Mackenzie.
The previous evening saw the Olsen Tankard competed for by teams of “mixed doubles”, the ladies putting up with the weaker sex for 18 holes, and in many cases putting them to shame in the process. As someone who managed to handicap their partner beyond any reasonable expectation they might have had of winning, it was enjoyable, nonetheless, to witness the irrepressible Mary Joyce captain the impressive Marten James to a comprehensive victory in this event. Mary is no stranger to winning, and fresh from his Monday night’s ,19th hole, victory in their Consolation Cup pairs match( with partner Huw Lloyd) against Allan MacLeod and Kenny”5” MacIver, Marten was in ebullient mood. The pair were supremely steady all evening, but with the opposition in the trees, the heather, several ditches and disturbing the wildlife ( especially frogs) during the 18 holes, their powers of concentration were tested more than their abundant golfing ability.
Allan featured heavily in the pairs competition, welcoming back sister Donna to golfing action. Donna has not participated for nearly six weeks, but on this form, she may be the player to break Mary’s recent winning streak. Donna drove the ball magnificently, chipped and putted well, but the really impressive aspect of her game was the total intimidation of her playing partner, and all-round speech play. She was playing off scratch in the “off the cuff remarks” stakes, and Alan narrowly lost out, try as he might to hold his own. With Mary going on holiday soon, the door is wide open for someone else to make the headlines and claim some silverware. There is no truth in the rumour that the ladies section are paying for her to take some well deserved leave.
This Tuesday coming ( 28th August) sees the ladies section holding a beginners Texas Scramble for anyone interested. Male or female, junior or senior, just turn up at the club at 5:30 pm. The “Texas” format is a most enjoyable introduction for novices , the best shot from the group being taken , and everyone with a chance of being a “hero”.
Everyone welcome.
Saturday’s rain did not prevent several of the club membership from participating in the Harris Golf Club Open Championship, and it is always good to report on successes. Following his win in the Western Isles Open Championship, Neil Rowlands added the Green Jacket of Harris to an impressive summer haul of top golfing trophies. Our own Jayne Nicolson also prevailed in the Ladies Handicap section, narrowly edging out Mary Joyce by virtue of the better inward half. With the club championship being re-scheduled , Neil now has the chance to make a magnificent “treble” of it ,should he prevail over the coming fortnight on his home course. This would ,indeed, re-write the record books, and leave every golfer in the Western Isles in awe of the achievement. He is the only player I can remember who has ever been in this position before.
Speaking of positions we have been in before brings me back to yet another missed Saturday of golf, and for the second year in a row, disruption to the club championship. We are used enough to missing golf in the winter through inclement weather, but in the summer it seems doubly unfair. When we have looked forward to a game of golf after a hard weeks’ work, and in many cases Saturday is the only opportunity for folk to play, to miss out due to the course being closed really can lead to immense frustration. Doubly so when the rain stops on a Saturday night , and the weather on Sunday is beautiful.
With the many opportunities available in Stornoway to participate in some seriously unhealthy activities on a Sunday, isn’t it about time we looked to make healthier pursuits more accessible to those of us who do not consider pool , darts and watching Setanta whilst knocking back 8 pints of lager , sports?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for a free society, and anyone wanting to spend Sunday in the pub is welcome to do so; but why are we not welcome ( or able) to go swimming, go to the gym or local Sports facilities, or dare I mention it, play golf?
Let me at this point stress that my views are not those of Stornoway Golf Club or the committee , but when 50% of my available leisure time at the weekend, is stymied due to the “closed” signs being up , then I wonder where as a community our priorities lie. A.A. is particularly busy on Sunday evenings. I know, I’ve been.
norriemacdonald@btinternet.com
Mixed Foursomes - Olsen Tankard
( Tuesday 14th Aug)
Mary Joyce & Marten James Winner
Donna MacLeod & Allan MacLeod Runners-Up
The Barber Trophy ( 4th July & 15th August)
Murdo O’Brien 140 ( 68+72 Gross) Scratch Winner
Marten James & Mary Joyce
Olsen Tankard Winners 2007
Olsen Tankard Winners 2007
Murdo O’Brien
Barber Trophy Winner
Scratch
Barber Trophy Winner
Scratch
Jayne Nicolson
Harris Open
Winner 2007
Harris Open
Winner 2007