May 26th 2007
FIRST LEG SET-BACK IN ULLAPOOL
Having been off the Island since last Wednesday, missing the midweek and Saturday’s qualifiers as well as the trip to Ullapool, I am indebted to Ali “Ban” MacLennan for the bulk of this report, and the pictures. A trawl through the history of golf “correspondents” ,and their subsequent decline in form , post picking up the mantle, will no doubt give him second thoughts about taking up the role full time.
It could, however, be the career move he is looking for, and the spur he needs to reduce his handicap.
Maybe the break did me more good than I thought, pardon my optimism.
Suffice to say that without his regular pairs partner for the Ullapool trip he didn’t quite make the headlines he had hoped for. Here is Ali’s report of the day’s play.
Stornoway trail in the first leg of their annual match against Ullapool but remain confident they can turn it around on home soil. Nine players volunteered last Saturday to make the trip, so it was an early start to make the 7.15am ferry sailing of it and as usual there was the last minute panic wondering if everyone would turn up. The sea was flat calm , it had the makings of being a scorcher ,but the heavy shower as the ferry docked in Ullapool made everyone feel at home as the boys searched for their waterproofs. However it transpired they were not needed as the umbrellas coped with the odd shower or two.
The order of play had already been sorted by the new skipper for the day, Eddie Mackenzie,and because of the difference in numbers, Ullapool kindly volunteered two of their own players to even things out ,meaning we played five doubles and one singles match. It was in the singles match between Ali Ban MacLennan and former Stornoway man Donnie Hossack that things really started off well for Ullapool as Donnie had a hole in one on the second hole played.This was his first ever ace, given the blustery conditions ,he is to be congratulated on his fine achievement.Former captain John MacLeod played with young Jordan Maclean but the odd wayward shot from John resulted in a point for the opposition. Paul MacLean partnered Ali Nicolson,a strong partnership, but yet again they could not hold onto a fairly comfortable lead early on to drop the third point of the day.
All eyes were then on the partnership of stalwarts Robbie MacRae and Dennis Hall to give Stornoway their first point. It was difficult to get an indication of who was winning as they came up the 18th fairway, but from the way they holed out on the last, those of us in the gallery knew it was now 4-0. Next off for Stornoway were the two Ullapool based players and they were being jokingly accused of lying down as it went to 5-0.In the last group ,and adding strength to Ullapool’s team , a visiting Australian who is on honeymoon in the area. Desperate to play in Scotland ( and setting the ground rules for a happy marriage ) he proved a very valuable addition to the home side. Eddie does still not believe that he is a 16 handicapper as he was driving further than anyone in the group and his play round the green was very impressive as well. However Eddie and Allan secured the(only)half point for Stornoway.
The return leg, yet to be confirmed, is going to be a tough one for Stornoway and there may be a lot of players wanting to play in the hope they can turn this score around. This does not take anything away from a very impressive Ullapool victory, and our thanks again to them on a great day out, and their usual wonderful hospitality.
Sounds like the usual great day, despite the score, was had by all accounts posted on the website, and as a “regular” on previous trips across the Minch, I can but assume that the result was soon forgotten.
Not forgotten, though, were the golfers who played in the medal qualifier on Saturday at home in Stornoway. Winner on the day was young Kenny Cunningham ( hands off Willie Fulton) with an excellent nett 63. Kenny is an excellent golfer who,if he plays more regularly, will surely see his handicap plummet. Round of the day, however, belonged to Andy MacDonald, carding a brilliant gross 66 (nett 64).Determined to make his mark in Rhodes at the World Island Games next month ,as part of the Western Isles Golf team, Andy has put in more practice than most to ensure his game is in top order for this prestigious challenge.
Andy is a veteran of competitive golf at a very high level and his experience, meticulous preparation, attention to detail and focus on the task in hand, augurs well for the task in hand. Having been “over the course” on many occasions before, and knowing the difference between club”medal” play and serious , inter-club, competition ( this time on an international scale), the team will look to his experience and calming influence to help them participate at this level of golf. With young David Black finally coming to grips with his new irons, and beginning to show some form, Kevin MacRae returning to full fitness after injury worries, and Norrie “Onions” being, well….Norrie “Onions”, things are shaping up nicely for the team ahead of the challenge against top class opposition which everyone is eagerly anticipating. Norrie and Kevin bring their own experience of Island Games to the competition, having participated in Shetland 2005 as “rookies”, and are not unaccustomed to playing at an enhanced competitive level. Combined with young Mr Black’s ability,and fearless approach to the game, we have a good blend of experience, talent and youth in the team, and are looking forward to the experience.
We are still appealing for any donations to the team to help offset the cost of travelling, and are also holding a fund-raising Texas Scramble this FRIDAY ( 1 st JUNE at 5:45 pm). Entry is £20 per team, and it will be the usual, “shotgun” start. Anyone not wishing to have to walk too far from the clubhouse to tee off can book their starting hole for an additional small fee behind the bar.
Afterwards there will be a barbecue and bar in the Green-Keepers shed (memories), and a prize raffle with loads of “stuff” up for grabs.
We are still looking for any additional prizes for the raffle (bottles, vouchers, tokens, clubs, balls….heck, money even !), and anyone wishing to donate can drop anything off at the club, or call me on 07799765608 ( I will collect ).
I realise everyone (especially local businesses) gets asked (constantly) for donations for fund raising events, and am very wary of any additional demands on everyone’s generosity. The cost of travelling is not cheap, and we are representing the Western Isles, so forgive me for this last appeal. I can but re-iterate our thanks for donations received to date, and without the support of everyone in the community, none of this would be possible.
Moran Taing.
Results
Centenary Medal Stableford 23rd May
1 Julien Folkard 41 pts Division 1 Winner
3 John Mackinnon 36 pts Division 2 Winner
2 Alex Nicolson 36 pts Division 1 Runner-Up
Jackson Medal Qualifier 26rd May
1 Kenny Cunningham 63 Division 2 Winner
2 Andrew Macdonald 64 Division 1 Winner
3 Kenneth Macdonald 65 Division 1 Runner-Up
