RJ McLeod Open

On Saturday Reay hosted the RJ McLeod Walk on Open, and competitors were once again treated to some difficult weather in the shape of a strong wind from the west. The testing conditions took their toll on scoring and this was reflected in the CSS which rose to 72.

Claiming victory in the scratch category was Dougie Thorburn who has clearly been enjoying the links conditions since joining the Reay club recently. He reached the turn in level par with a bogey at the first offset by a fine birdie at the short 5th hole. An inward half of 36 which included a second birdie at the 14th hole was good enough for a superb gross score of 70, which gave him victory by a 4 shot margin ahead of Don Mackay.   

The handicap category was won by youngster Tom Ross who had the distinction of being the only player on the day to post a nett score below 70, following an excellent 69. After an outward half of 41 he looked set to post an even lower score after a tremendous run on the back nine which included a birdie at the 14th. An unfortunate 7 at the tough 17th derailed his challenge slightly, but a bogey at the last secured an inward score of 41 and victory by a single shot.

Taking the prize for topping Category 1 was Cammie Ross who has enjoyed a number of good rounds at Reay over the winter months. He recovered from a sticky start over the first four holes to reach the turn in 41, and then turned on the style during a back nine of 38, to record a nett score of 70. His score was good enough to edge David Mackay in to second place on countback after he also recorded a score of nett 70.

The Category 2 prize went to Murdo Macdonald following a round of nett 71. Unlike most of the other prize-winners, he did his best work during a front nine of 41, coming home in 43 for a gross score of 84. Runner up was Euan Munro on nett 73.

Alistair Gunn won the prize for nearest the pin at the 18th after he tee shot finished 6.22m from the hole.