Birdies aplenty as Efemey leads charge for handicap trophy at Reay
Saturday saw a fantastic entry of 74 golfers competing for glory in the Ronnie Wallace Open, which was once again sponsored by Norbloc Construction.
A bright day and a course at Reay Golf Club presented in great condition provided all the ingredients for some low scores.
Birdies at the 12th and 14th helped Steve Efemey of the home club to take the overall handicap trophy following a fine score of 78 for nett 67.
The scratch prize went to Nicky Klimas of Wick Golf Club following an excellent round of one over par 70, which included birdies at the 4th, 14th and 15th holes.
Brent Munro took second place in the scratch following a fine round of 71, with birdies at the 6th and 14th helping him to his tally. A barrage of birdies at the 3rd, 5th, 6th, 14th and 16th holes helped Tom Ross to third place on 72.
In Division One, the in-form Andrew Taylor topped the prizes after a birdie at the final hole helped him to a round of 76 for nett 67. Michael Grant, visiting from Dalmahoy GC, finished second after birdies at the 6th, 8th and 16th helped him to a round of 71 for nett 70.
Thurso’s Iain Dunnett was another man on the birdie trail, firing no less than four at the 3rd, 6th, 13th and 14th as he posted a round of 75 for nett 70 and third place. Birdies at the 2nd and 6th saw Lee Malcom finish on 76 for nett 71 to take the final Division One prize.
In Division Two, halves of 45 and 44 helped Alistair Gunn take first place on nett 68. Liam Moar took second place ahead of Thurso’s Stephen Fidler after both finished on nett 70. A birdie at the 15th helped Willie Paton to fourth spot on nett 71.
The nearest the pin prize, courtesy of Rock Rose Gin, was won by Gordon Morrison of Lybster.
In routine club business, a lesson from local professional Calum Satterly helped Fred Groves find his groove, and birdies at the 6th and 16th helped him to a winning score of 39 points in the latest round of the North Point Distillery Senior Stableford competition.
An excellent front nine helped David Mackay take second place on 38 points, with Murdo Macdonald rounding off the top three on 37.
Julie Minchin won the first round of the Ladies Summer Stableford competition with a score of 36 points which was boosted by a strong performance on the par 3 holes.
A consistent performance saw Helen Gisbey finish on 35 points, a tally matched by Tricia Macdonald who birdied the long 4th hole. A good front nine helped Carole Cameron to fourth place on 33.
In the Men’s Pilkington Cup competition, a strong finish helped Kenny Farmer (Snr) to the silverware after a fine round of 86 for nett 67.
A birdie at the 13th helped Willie Paton to second place on nett 68. Jack Johnstone finished a stroke further back on nett 69, with a birdie at the 5th providing the highlight of his round.
This Saturday will see the ladies in action in the MacDonald Landscaping and Groundcare May Medal, while the gents will also be in monthly medal action.
On Sunday, players will be able to compete for the Split Stane trophy in a Texas Pairs competition.
