Walk On Open

Players who contested in the Walk On Open held at Reay on Saturday could have been forgiven for thinking it was November, not May as they were buffeted by a strong wind from the north-west which brought several squally showers throughout the day. A total of 28 brave souls donned their waterproofs to play, and of these, only one person managed to post a nett score below 70.

Coming out on top was Willie Steven with a superb nett 69. Steven, a serial winner during a glittering football career, may have to get his trophy cabinet extended to accommodate the golfing prizes that could be coming his way if he can maintain his recent form on the fairways. Steven’s round on Saturday was forged on a very steady outward half of 41. As conditions deteriorated on the back nine, Steven had a mini mid-round crisis with double-bogeys at 13th and 14th holes, however, he steadied himself to play the last four holes in level par for an excellent inward half of 40.

Runner-up was one of Steven’s former footballing foes, Andy Bain. Bain showed some very good form during the winter months and he obviously felt at home in the foul weather on his way to a nett 70. Bain’s round comprised two very steady halves of 41, although he will be kicking himself after a 5 at the short 15th cost him the chance of glory.

Best scratch score of the day was 78 courtesy of the on form Murray McGlasson. The highlights of McGlasson’s round were birdies at the par 5 6th and 14th holes. Securing a bottle of Malt for nearest at the pin at the 18th was Bruce Mackay. Mackay’s pin-seeking shot finished a mere 3.3km (2miles) from the hole – underlining just how strong the wind was during the day.