Countback determines Captain's Prize at Reay
With the competition also doubling up as the final round of qualifying for the club championships, the fairways were packed with players keen to post a low score.
Emerging victorious on countback after scoring a fine nett 66 was Ian A. Mackay, who has been showing some good form in the early months of the season. After a disappointing start over Reay’s notorious opening four holes, he found his rhythm to reach the turn in 46, aided by a birdie at the sixth.
He had a reasonable start to the back nine and then a birdie at the 13th hole set up a strong finish which saw him cover the inward half in 39. His tally of 85 was good enough to take the win by the narrowest of margins and secured a well-earned handicap reduction.
Runner-up after also posting a score of nett 66 was Colin Paterson. A steady outward half of 38 gave no indication of the fireworks which were about to follow during an inward half of 33 which saw him make no fewer than four birdies, at the 12th, 13th, 15th and 18th holes. His gross score of 71 was the best of the day, a feat matched by Gavin Sutherland.
Third spot was also taken with a score of nett 66, courtesy of Euan Munro. Two neat halves of 41 also secured a well-deserved handicap reduction for the youngster.
It proved to be a special day for another member of the Munro clan, as Euan’s older brother Ross registered a superb hole in one at the ninth hole. The feat was achieved courtesy of a finely struck four iron which arrowed its way into the teeth of the wind before bouncing once and then nestling in the hole.
The fourth round of the Jacobs Summer Cup was won by Gavin Sutherland who is enjoying a rich vein of form. His nett 65, courtesy of a wonderful gross 68, was good enough to pip Euan Munro by a single shot. John O’Brien and David Gray were a further stroke behind after both posted nett 67s.
Ian D. Mackay still heads the overall standings, but with the competition running throughout the summer there is still plenty of time for challengers to emerge from the chasing pack.
Tomorrow, members will be competing for the June Medal, while Sunday sees the course hosting the Reay Gala Walk-On Open for both ladies and gents. Next week also sees the knockout phases of the club championships begin, with Sutherland looking to reclaim his scratch crown.
For further details of these events see www.reaygolfclub.co.uk