WLS 5 & January Medal

Golfers at Reay have been suffering a stop-start period to their winter season over the past few weeks, with several weekends of wind and rain punctuated by the occasional calm, clear day. The main action has been in the Winter League Stableford which is nearing the halfway point after 5 rounds of play.

Round three of the Stableford was a keenly contested affair between Ian Sutherland and Bruce Mackay. Playing in bright and blustery conditions both men carded a fine tally of 39 points, with Sutherland edging the victory on countback. Taking third place 3 points behind was Colin Munro on 36.

Round four was claimed by John O’Brien, who followed up his recent success in the December Medal with another excellent display. O’Briens impressive haul of 41 points gave him victory by a 2 point margin over Alex Mackay and youngster Ruari McCartney who both recorded 39 points.

Round five was won by another of the promising crop of youngsters currently plying their trade at Reay, Ian A. Mackay. Mackay’s haul of 40 points was just enough to beat a couple of Reay’s more seasoned campaigners, Evan Sutherland and Sandy Chisholm in to second and third places respectively after both players carded 39 points.  The result might have been different however, after Leslie Malcolm carded a fine round of 41 points, unfortunately Malcolm forgot to record his handicap on the card and was disqualified on this technicality. 

In the overall standings Malcolm still holds a handsome lead over the rest of the field with an excellent tally of 120 points. His nearest challenger is Grant Maxwell on 109, who has recorded a number of steady scores aided by a new driver.  Ian Ritchie and Alex Mackay lie in joint third place on 107.

The January Medal was also held recently on a beautiful winter’s morning, and the still conditions allowed several players to record low scores. Round of the day was courtesy of Willie Williamson after a spectacular nett 65. Williamson claimed the medal by a 2 stroke margin ahead of the resurgent Cammy Ross, and the ever consistent Ian Ross. Lowest gross score of the day was a 73 from club champion Gavin Sutherland.

This weekend sees the third round of the Winter Eclectic scheduled for Saturday, with round 6 of the Winter League Stableford pencilled in for Sunday.