The Opening Weekend

Saturday 2nd April 2011

Thirty eight dedicated golfers braved the damp early morning conditions at Reay to compete in the annual Captain v Vice Captain match. The dreary weather soon lifted, but it continued to be a day of misery for Captain Murray Mcglasson whose charges were soundly trounced 7-3 by the team led by Vice Captain Lee Parnell.

Parnell led his men from the front, teaming up with fellow Sassenach Steve Efemey to defeat the Scots duo of Mcglasson and Richard McDonald in the top match by a single hole. The victory was made all the more remarkable by the fact that the dithering Vice Captain had forgotten to take his putter and spikes to the course with him.

Following the festivities of Saturday, it was down to serious business on Sunday with the Category 1 players contesting the Ward Trophy, while their Category 2 counterparts competed for the High Handicap Trophy.

Sunday 3rd April 2011

Winner of the Ward Trophy with an impressive 40 points was the on-form Sandy Chisholm. Chisholm, fresh from his victory in the Winter League Stableford, started like a house on fire with birdies at the first and ninth holes. Chisholm survived an indifferent start to the back nine to finish strongly, a point clear of second placed David ‘Snapper’ Mackay. Snapper has spent a period in the golfing doldrums of late, but he made a welcome return to his vintage best, amassing a haul of 39 points from a very steady round which included a birdie at the fifth. In third place on 38 points was John O’Brien following a very impressive round of gross 72.

The High Handicap Trophy was also a very keenly contested affair, with three players tied at the top of the leaderboard on 36 points. Winner on count-back was Willie Allan, who overcame an indifferent front nine to take the silverware. In second place was Ian Sutherland following a very erratic round which included scores of 7, 8, 11, and no less than three 3s. If Sutherland can find a bit more consistency he will be visiting the winner’s enclosure very soon. Third spot was secured by young Gregor Munro, who lost his way on the back nine after an impressive start to his round.