March 24th 2007
WHEN THE GOING GOT TOUGH…..
If the Germans have one word for “satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune”, then maybe they have one for “the sun shone, the course dried out, and we managed to play golf in the most pleasurable circumstances”. If they do, they can keep it, because the relief felt by us all at the joy of what Saturday morning brought cannot be summed up in a single word. It was just, as Master Mariner Para Handy would say, “Sublime” (and if Dougie had been there himself he would have told you!).
Still, never mind the weather, we have waited long enough to get back to the real business of the Golf Club, and the golf notes…..GOLF.
On a course especially laid out to test everyone to the limit for the remaining weeks of the season, many of the fancied pairings struggled, some not so fancied prospered and the league is still very much there to be won. With every difficult hole in play (Castle, Dardanelles, Long Cabarfeidh, Cup-Forresters and the newly constructed Ranom (the Manor played backwards from the Long-Miller tee to the bottom of the hill, for those of you confused!)), this was the longest course for many a year, and with a par of 49, it certainly separated the men from the boys.
Step forward two men who see no obstacle and insurmountable, no challenge as too tough, and who scoffed at the notion of this being a course for the longer hitters, the lower handicappers and the more “consistent” golfers. Ali “Ban” MacLennan and Neil “Flute” MacLeod, having carefully calculated that if they win every week for the remainder of the season, and the leaders do not pick up too many points, they can still storm to the title, won handsomely on Saturday with a magnificent four under par 45 and fifteen welcome points. This late charge may, or may not , materialise, but it certainly stunned Ali’s nemesis, Domhnall Hamish, into commenting on their “completely out of character” performance, and steeled him (and long suffering partner Jim Watson) to capture not only a £1 on the day but into a similarly out of character shared runners up spot and ten points. Having spent the latter part of the week, and the bulk of the previous fortnight, winding DH up about their impending clash, Kenny “ Five Celtic T-Shirts “ MacIver continued a dismal run for the hoops when he parted with most of his productivity bonus for the week in succumbing to the former league winners . Partner , and long suffering Rangers supporter Alan “ Biddley” MacLeod has tried to educate Kenny on the wisdom of making idle boasts where DH is concerned, and was seen on the course long into the beautiful twilight on Monday night practicing . They have been going “backwards” for some months now, and maybe the lessons learned from two seasoned “pros” will spur them back into action?
Several other teams who have struggled of late also scored good points on Saturday, outstanding amongst them the “team” of Arthur MacIntosh who competed on his own ( bodach Dougie being indisposed ). Arthur on his own has for many years been a “team” to be reckoned with, and even without the aroma of St Bruno ( or is it Condor?) to calm his nerves and shave the odd shot of his score, he is always liable to be amongst the points.
Significant move of the week, and surprisingly reminiscent of last years race for the title, was Sandy Bruce and Eddie MacKenzie’s seven point haul which takes them within touching distance of leaders Chris MacLeod and Chris Shields. Be afraid lads, be very afraid.
Saturday’s scores..
WHEN THE GOING GOT TOUGH…..
If the Germans have one word for “satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune”, then maybe they have one for “the sun shone, the course dried out, and we managed to play golf in the most pleasurable circumstances”. If they do, they can keep it, because the relief felt by us all at the joy of what Saturday morning brought cannot be summed up in a single word. It was just, as Master Mariner Para Handy would say, “Sublime” (and if Dougie had been there himself he would have told you!).
Still, never mind the weather, we have waited long enough to get back to the real business of the Golf Club, and the golf notes…..GOLF.
On a course especially laid out to test everyone to the limit for the remaining weeks of the season, many of the fancied pairings struggled, some not so fancied prospered and the league is still very much there to be won. With every difficult hole in play (Castle, Dardanelles, Long Cabarfeidh, Cup-
Step forward two men who see no obstacle and insurmountable, no challenge as too tough, and who scoffed at the notion of this being a course for the longer hitters, the lower handicappers and the more “consistent” golfers. Ali “Ban” MacLennan and Neil “Flute” MacLeod, having carefully calculated that if they win every week for the remainder of the season, and the leaders do not pick up too many points, they can still storm to the title, won handsomely on Saturday with a magnificent four under par 45 and fifteen welcome points. This late charge may, or may not , materialise, but it certainly stunned Ali’s nemesis, Domhnall Hamish, into commenting on their “completely out of character” performance, and steeled him (and long suffering partner Jim Watson) to capture not only a £1 on the day but into a similarly out of character shared runners up spot and ten points. Having spent the latter part of the week, and the bulk of the previous fortnight, winding DH up about their impending clash, Kenny “ Five Celtic T-
Several other teams who have struggled of late also scored good points on Saturday, outstanding amongst them the “team” of Arthur MacIntosh who competed on his own ( bodach Dougie being indisposed ). Arthur on his own has for many years been a “team” to be reckoned with, and even without the aroma of St Bruno ( or is it Condor?) to calm his nerves and shave the odd shot of his score, he is always liable to be amongst the points.
Significant move of the week, and surprisingly reminiscent of last years race for the title, was Sandy Bruce and Eddie MacKenzie’s seven point haul which takes them within touching distance of leaders Chris MacLeod and Chris Shields. Be afraid lads, be very afraid.
Saturday’s scores..
Saturday 24th March 2007
Nett
Points
Ali Maclennan & Neil Macleod
45
15
Jim Watson & DJ Maclean
46
10
Alan Todd & Cammy Macleay
46
10
Dave Gilmour & Alastair Henderson
46
10
Sandy Bruce & Eddie Mackenzie
48
7
John Edward & CI Macmillan
49
5
Arthur & Dougie Macintosh
49
5
Iain Mackenzie & Zebo Macleod
49
5
John Fraser & Donald Macsween
49
5
DJ Macleod & Andrew Reeves
50
2
John A Macleod & Ken Galloway
50
2
Leaderboard
Total
Chris Macleod & Chris Shields
89
Sandy Bruce & Eddie Mackenzie
82
Dave (Kiwi) Macleod & Stephen Moar
81
Ali Nicolson & Al Macleod
80
Neil Rowlands & A Macdonald
79
The TalkTalkOnetel Trophy will be somewhat curtailed owing to the inclement end of season weather, but with everyone’s final three scores being taken into consideration ( off their original handicaps) , and entries still being taken ( yes if you scored well last week you can enter retrospectively…it is after all for charity, the local Bethesda ) please consider taking part.
Friday also sees a TalkTalkOnetel quiz night in the club , also in aid of the Bethesda, and with entries for teams of four £10 ( plus a bottle for the raffle, if you can) we are looking for as many teams as possible to participate. Why don’t you enter one from your workplace, your football team, voluntary organisation or simply from your circle of friends? Challenge another team of four ( for bragging rights or side bets) that you can beat them , and who knows, you may even win on the night. Again it is for charity , and a fun evening is guaranteed. Be there to register at 7:30 pm for an 8:00 start. TTOT have their own team of eggheads, and if you finish ahead of them, you may well be in with a chance of winning.
Friday also sees a TalkTalkOnetel quiz night in the club , also in aid of the Bethesda, and with entries for teams of four £10 ( plus a bottle for the raffle, if you can) we are looking for as many teams as possible to participate. Why don’t you enter one from your workplace, your football team, voluntary organisation or simply from your circle of friends? Challenge another team of four ( for bragging rights or side bets) that you can beat them , and who knows, you may even win on the night. Again it is for charity , and a fun evening is guaranteed. Be there to register at 7:30 pm for an 8:00 start. TTOT have their own team of eggheads, and if you finish ahead of them, you may well be in with a chance of winning.