May 19th 2007
NO CHINK IN JOHN’S ARMOUR
Having played golf with the two best golfers currently competing at the club in the past week, I can but conclude that, whilst they may think that the professionals are playing a slightly different game from them; I am convinced that they are playing an entirely different one from me. While Andy and Norrie“Onions” Macdonald continue to lead the low handicap section by virtue of their ability, and measure their scores without handicap, counting purely the number of blows they take; the rest of us can but struggle to get round eighteen holes without totally embarrassing ourselves. When you play with a golfer who can shoot par without playing particularly well ( when tee to green is so effortless, only the poor putting lets you know when they are off the boil ), the sense of inadequacy is very palpable indeed ,when, after nine holes ,you are ten shots back. Par is no less than what the top golfers expect, and whilst we can hope to match them with the occasional shot; the consistency, ease and unerring ability to make a score when the (very) odd poor shot slips in is what separates them from us. Far fewer mistakes, far more ability and far better scores.
The handicap system may give us hackers and whackers a chance of winning a trophy occasionally, but how we would all like to have the “game” that these guys have. Playing off as few shots as possible is every golfers aim ( or it should be) , and whilst the low handicappers have no( or very little) margin for error, their ability being reflected in their allowance, the chances of them winning a ( handicap ) competition against improving, higher handicapped golfers are fairly slim. In the major, “proper”, competitions, off scratch, you will see them raise their games, knowing that the real measure is against their own group of peers, and the course itself, without handicap intervention. But you have heard this from me before; my apologies.
When playing with better golfers it is always a good idea to watch and learn; imitation, if you can master it, being the sincerest form of flattery. I am a poor mimic however, and as is the concern when playing with a decent golfer who may be struggling, I worry (as do we all?) that we are dragging the more talented golfer down to our level. Whilst being able to mimic Norrie MacDonald in name only, I needn’t have worried about dragging him down playing along side him last Wednesday. He was much too focused. His stunning gross 65 (an eagle, four birdies and three bogies, along with several missed opportunities to be even lower) was good enough to qualify him for the Caledonian Medal Final. It was a quality round, and a privilege to mark his card.
What did I learn? I learned to continue to accept with good grace the “ congratulations” from folk who congratulate me ( the wrong , untalented Norrie MacDonald) on the young fellow’s success , whilst pointing them in the direction of a passing , always smiling, postman. As for mimicry…I think we used a similar ball. Mine was badly behaved; it had to be hit it far more often.
John “Paddy” MacKay was second with a fine nett 66 and Cal (again) scored in the low 70’s ( gross, nett 67) to continue his recent fine form.
Friday night saw the Action Research Texas Scramble, and unfortunately the poor weather took its toll on the amount of teams participating, thereby reducing the amount raised. It’s always a shame when the weather adversely affects golf, more so when a local charity is affected.
On the night, and in some fairly appalling conditions, the team of Colin MacRitchie, David Kinnaird, David Black and Neil Rowlands triumphed with a brilliant gross 59. Well done lads.
Saturday didn’t improve much weather-wise, and with many golfers either returning no score, or refusing even to get wet for a second time in 48 hours (wimps) it would always take a determined effort to win on the day. Determination is a by-word for young John Fraser. Equipped with his own unique brolly- come -hat, and resembling a coolie on a mission, he magnificently held his game together to win the Kenneth Mackenzie Jubilee trophy with a fine 64.
Several members of the club missed Saturday’s golf, having taken off for Harris on, not a golfing trip, but a stag do. Fortified by Morag’s rolls to line their stomachs (I told you she looked after her “charges”), they set off across the Clisham early in the morning to begin their tour of most of the Island’s hostelries. Martin MacLeod was the apprentice groom in “training” on the day, and looking like Cher on a particularly dodgy batch of steroids, he was still in remarkably good “trim” alighting off the bus at the club as we came off the course in the evening. There is a saying “Wet inside , never mind out” and between the golfers coming off the course, and the crew coming off the bus, there was a pretty bedraggled bunch around the club at 8 pm ( inside and out).Congratulations to Martin , and the team , on making it through the day .
Congratulations too on Charlie Morrison on holding off a determined late charge from Scott MacAulay in the second round of the junior Kenneth Mackenzie Jubilee Trophy. Seven shots ahead after round one, he saw his lead eroded to just one shot in the end, but his initial magnificent 58, in week one, was, in it, worthy of the win.
Christine MacLeod in the ladies section continued her recent run of wins (three in all competitions) in the Cancer Relief stableford. Her 33 points was enough to beat Mary MacIver by six clear shots.
This week saw the passing of another club stalwart, Gus Matheson. Gus has spent his latter months in hospital, and passed away in his sleep on Sunday night/Monday morning. Gus was part of the fabric of the club for many years, a character of everyone’s acquaintance and a “legend” around the clubhouse. Blessed with the unique ability to not only spin a magnificent yarn, but to play ambidextrously ( five holes-in-one left handed, six , right handed ) he will be remembered fondly by those who remember him at his very best. Everyone amongst us has a memory of Gus which will make us smile. Let us remember the good times we all had in his company.
Ladies Cancer Relief Stableford 15th May
1 Christine Macleod 33 pts Overall Winner
2 Mary Maciver 27 pts Overall Runner-Up
Caledonian Medal Qualifier 16th May
1 Norrie (O) Macdonald 64 Division 1 Winner
2 John Mackay 66 Division 2 Winner
3 Cal Robertson 67
Action Research Texas Scramble 18th May
David Black 59
David Kinnaird
Colin Macritchie
Neil Rowlands
Kenneth Mackenzie Jubilee Trophy (Jr) 19th May
1 Charlie Morrison 58+76=134
2 Scott Macaulay 65+70=135
Kenneth Mackenzie Jubilee Trophy (Sr) 19th May
1 John Fraser 64 Overall Winner
2 Allan Macleod 65 Division 2 Winner
3 Iain Todd Mackenzie 66
4 Andrew Macdonald 68 Division 1 Winner
Christine Macleod
John Fraser