Defending champion Dougie Thorburn and three-time winner Gavin Sutherland served up a thrilling climax to the Nuvia Reay Open on Saturday. After 36 holes both players were tied on a fabulous one under par aggregate score of 137, and a three hole play-off was required to determine the destination of the Reay Trophy.
After the first round it was Sutherland who held the lead following a brilliant round of 68 in damp conditions. After reaching the turn in 33 following eight pars and a birdie at the 6th, he continued to play some excellent golf to come home in 35 with a bogey at the short 15th offset by a fine birdie at par 4 13th hole. Thorburn also carded two birdies during his round of 70, at the 6th and 10th holes, but a trio of bogeys at the 5th, 7th and 9th holes left him two shots adrift going in to the second rouund.
Thorburn responded in round two with a terrific round of two under par 67. An outward half of 34 which included a birdie at the 6th, was followed by an inward 33, with further birdies at the 10th, 16th and 18th holes. Sutherland posted a score level par of 69, comprising halves of 35 and 34. Birdies at the 3rd, 6th, 14th and 16th holes were offset by bogeys at 4th, 5th, 9th and 17th.
A healthy crowd gathered to watch the play-off and in the end it was Thorburn who prevailed by the narrowest of margins to retain the silverware. Both players deserve tremendous credit for serving up such a high standard of golf, and Sutherland will have an early chance for revenge as the four round Stroke Play Championship reaches it's climax next week.
Winner of the Hebden Cup for the best nett score was Andy Bain, fresh from his win in the handicap club championship final the previous week. Bain’s margin of victory was two strokes from Sutherland and Thurso’s James Lynch. A fine opening round of nett 67 laid the foundations for his success, but gave no indication of the fireworks that were to follow during a second round of nett 62 which belied Bain’s handicap of 13. Highlights of an outward half of 38 were birdies at the 3rd and 5th holes, and a further birdie at the tough 11th hole laid the foundations for a great inward half of 37. Bain will be starting his next competitive outing with a significantly lower handicap following his success.
Sutherland gained some consolation, winning Category 1 with his nett score of 131. Recently crowned club champion Ross Munro continued his rich vein of form taking second place on 134 following rounds of nett 68 and 66. The ever consistent Colin Paterson took third spot on 136 following two fine rounds of gross 73 for a pair of nett 68s, with Halkirk’s Gavin Gunn taking fourth after following up a spectacular morning round of nett 65 with a nett 72 to give him a tally of 137.
Lynch claimed victory in Category 2 with a very impressive nett total of 131. A spectacular morning round of nett 63, was followed by a steady round of nett 68 in the afternoon which was good enough to win by two strokes. The remaining places were occupied by members of the Reay clubs’ blossoming junior section with Ruari McCartney taking second spot on 133 following two excellent rounds of nett 64 and 69. Ian A. Mackay continued his fine season by taking third spot on 134, improving on his fine first round of nett 68 with a splendid second round of nett 66. Euan Munro took fourth spot a further stroke back on 135, following rounds of nett 65 and nett 70.
Following the action on the course, prizes were presented by David Craig, Operations Manager of Nuvia Ltd.
Results Summary:
Scratch winner - Dougie Thorburn, beat Gavin Sutherland in 3-hole play off after both finished on a total of 137.
Handicap winner - Andy Bain (129)
1st Cat 1 - Gavin Sutherland (131)
2nd Cat 1 - Ross Munro (134)
3rd Cat 1 - Colin Paterson (136)
4th Cat 1 - Gavin Gunn (137)
1st Cat 2 - James Lynch (Thurso) (131)
2nd Cat 2 - Ruari McCartney (133)
3rd Cat 2 - Ian A Mackay (134)
4th Cat 2 - Euan Munro (135)
5th Cat 2 - Calum McLean (Fortrose) (135)
Nearest pin 5th - Tim Hawes
Nearest pin 18th - Chris Maycock
Round 1 CSS 69
Round 2 CSS 68
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