Changes prove successful as 24 teams compete for Safari Trophy at Reay
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This year’s instalment of the NDL/JF Nuclear Safari Open at Reay saw a change in format with a reduction from 36 to 18 holes. In another first, the event included ladies and mixed as well as the usual gents teams, with players from Thurso, Wick, Durness and the home club represented in the draw.
The changes proved to be a hit, with an impressive 24 teams of four players all teeing off hoping to secure the much sought-after Safari Trophy.
The strokeplay event uses the three best nett scores from each team to determine the overall winners, and competition was fierce with some excellent scoring.
The winning team, on a score of 206, was made up of a quartet of players from the home club – Tom Ross, Ruari McCartney, Jake Anderson and Euan Munro. Anderson was his side's top performer with a fine nett 67, backed up by a 69 from Munro and McCartney with a 70.
Runners-up were Thurso’s Alan Swanson, Jim Sangster, Alan Coghill and Innes Mitchell on 208. Sangster produced the best nett score of the day, a 65, following a fabulous round of 69 which included birdies at the third, seventh, ninth and 14th holes.
Although not enough to secure the team event, Sangster did have the consolation of winning the Murray McGlasson trophy for the best individual score on the day.
Third place was taken by one of the local ladies’ teams made up of Pam Bain, Carol Paterson, Laura Bain and Eleanor Tunn with a score of 209. Pam Bain was the team's star performer with an excellent nett 66 which was the second-best individual score on the day.
Fourth place was taken by Andy Bain, Michael Smith, Mollie O’Brien and James Howden on 210, with Sandy Chisholm, Evan Sutherland, Kenny Farmer Snr and Simon Harper taking fifth on countback after they also finished on 210. O’Brien finished third in the individual standings courtesy of her fine nett 67.
The nearest-the-pin prizes also made their way down the road to Thurso Golf Club, with Chris Williamson producing the best tee shot at the fifth, and young James Durrand doing likewise at the final hole.
Meanwhile, Alex Mackay won the President's Salver, blowing the rest of the field away with a superb round of nett 63 following a round of 85. Murdo Macdonald finished a distant second on nett 68, with Sandy Chisholm finishing third a stroke further back.
In the ladies' section, Eleanor Tunn continued her excellent season to top the standings in the sixth round of the Stableford competition with a tally of 36 points courtesy of an excellent round of 75 which included a single birdie at the fourth hole.
Pam Bain finished second on 36 points, with Carol Paterson third on 34 points.
