March 31st 2007
COMFORT ZONE
With a week to go in all the winter competitions, the main prizes are nearly all safely in the bag, early, for the first time in a number of years. No last week nerves for most of the leaders with a week to go. No looking over their shoulders at the chasing pack, just a stroll in the (hopefully) sunshine, and a chance to reflect on a season of notable achievement.
The men’s winter league title was finally captured by the Chrises (MacLeod and Shields), having led for all, bar the opening week, of 2007. They nosed in front in early January, consolidated their position in February and cinched the title last week with more excellent play, on the most difficult course of the year. To be fair, as soon as anyone came remotely close ( Sandy and Eddie a fortnight ago) they simply upped their game, and slammed the door to the title firmly shut for all would-be challengers to ensure a stress free final week of the season. Well played lads!
Ladies winner, and again demonstrating that “extra” strength that true champions have was the irrepressible Mairi Maciver. Having established a comfortable lead early in the league, she survived a late surge by Donna Macleod by claiming top points several times more in the closing weeks to finally put paid to any hopes the chasing pack may have entertained of catching her. Sheer class, Mairi.
Junior winner, and although this may have already been in the bag several weeks ago, was Charlie Morrison. Charlie has been far and away the most consistent player in this section all year, and the amount of maximum points claimed by him in the course of winning the title are testament to his all round dominance. Another well done! Now for the summer Charlie, and the “serious” stuff.
Saturday’s Junior’s results…
31.03.07 Score Pts
1. Charlie Morrison 52 10
2. Scott Macaulay 57 5
3. Alasdair Gillies 61 3
LEAGUE STANDINGS Pts
1. Charlie Morrison 124
2. Alasdair Gillies 80
3. Scott Macaulay 76
The only title still up for grabs is in the “legends” winter league where Norrie Munro is still in pole position going into the final week. Hot on his heels are perennial challengers (some past champions amongst them) Harris MacKenzie, Robbie MacRae and Cammy MacLeay. Will anyone else come out of the pack? I doubt if the winner can come from outside this group, but they have had the most interesting season of us all, and given their ability to compete when the rest of us are “waterlogged” on a Saturday, have been amongst the most competitive group in the club. For anyone approaching “legend” status as a youth (55+), and expecting easy pickings, think again. This lot will chew you up and spit you out if you show them no respect.
Pictures of the title winners will appear in next weeks notes, but the winners of the men’s weekly pairs event, Saturday last, were Kenny “Pongo” MacLeod and Eric ”Bo” Anderson. Their superb, five under par, 44 was enough for maximum points and given their intermittent participation this season, they must be wondering what could have been. Work commitments (on the part of Eric) and a mantelpiece full of past title trophies (on the part of Kenny) have curtailed their participation this season, but they enjoyed every drop of their celebratory pint(s) on Saturday evening.
Saturday’s Men’s results…
31.03.07 Score Pts
Eric Anderson & KJ Macleod 44 15
Chris Shields & Chris Macleod 45 12
Iain Mackenzie & Zebo Macleod 46 9
Murty Macdonald & Ian Macritchie 47 8
Peter Dicke & Stewart Macdonald 47 8
Dave Rattray & Ken Macdonald 48 6
Jamie Duncan & George Macaskill 48 6
George Macleod & George Mould 49 3
John Edward & CI Macmillan 49 3
DJ Macleod & Andrew Reeves 49 3
Scott Maciver & David Gray 49 3
LEAGUE STANDINGS Pts
Chris Macleod & Chris Shields 103
S Bruce & E Mackenzie 84
D K Macleod & S Moar 83
Ali Nicolson & Al Macleod 82
S Maciver & D Gray 81
N Rowlands & A Macdonald 81
Practicing your swing can be a “pane”ful business, as witnessed by two of our most dedicated golfers last week. Alan MacLeod who, not content with playing anytime the course is open and it’s not pitch black, practices at home, much to the chagrin of his wife. This was not helped any last week when she was toiling over the washing up, and Alan was in the back garden hitting a “few practice shots”. Fast forward several shots, a ricochet off some solid object hitherto unseen, a broken window, a missus on the kitchen floor having narrowly avoided concussion later, and we discover the true nature of love. He forgave her for not finishing the dishes.
Davie Gilmour, not to be outdone, actually managed the same feat in the relative safety of the club’s own practice nets. The nets themselves are very safe; however the coefficiency of restitution (see previous notes) of the poles which support them is such that they can be somewhat dangerous. Witness an errant shot, a thwang off a pole, a 50ft rebound and the club kitchen window in a thousand pieces. The bar staff have now taken to wearing armour when making coffee if Davie is around.
This Saturday sees the winter league prize-giving at 5pm and everyone who has participated (everyone) is invited to attend. This is your club, your event, and without your participation the exercise becomes pointless.
