Ronnie Walace Open

Reay Golf Club hosted the Ronnie Wallace Open on Saturday and despite the cool and showery weather, a strong field of players battled it out for the prizes. The tough conditions were reflected in the CSS which rose to 71.

Winner of the scratch competition was Tom Ross from the home club. Ross is one of a clutch of excellent young players whose talents are being expertly fostered by the Junior Coaches at Reay, and the 7 handicapper produced a sparkling performance to win by two shots from Gordon Steven of Wick.

Ross got his round off to a fine start with a birdie at the tough second hole and he reached the turn in 36. A steady but unspectacular back nine of 40 was good enough to secure a comfortable victory. Steven produced a consistent round of 78, but will be regretting an ugly double-bogey at the 12th hole which cost him dearly in the final analysis.

The handicap prize was won by Stanley Ross of Thurso who carded a round of nett 69. Ross did his best work during a front nine of 40 and held on to his score with a back nine of 42 to claim the spoils. Gavin Gunn topped Category One following a fine nett 70, with Tim Hawes a shot further back on 71. Andy Bain managed a brace of birdies at the 4th and 15th holes on his way to a nett 72 which was good enough for third place.

John McEwen was the victor in Category Two following a fine nett 71. Three players, George MacDonald, Willie Williamson and Robbie Swanson, finished a shot further back following rounds of nett 72. MacDonald secured second place on countback, with Williamson third and Swanson fourth. Tom Ross also secured the prize for Nearest the Pin at the 18th to cap a very profitable day on the course.