Dramatic climax as Mackay crowned winner
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SOME glorious sunny weather marked the final weekend of the winter season at Reay as the Winter League Stableford was brought to the most dramatic of conclusions.
Players have braved wind, rain and the occasional flurry of snow during the 12 rounds of competition, and in the end it was youngster Ian A. Mackay who emerged triumphant following a late surge up the standings.
He posted a final round score of 42 points to give a total of 231, which was good enough to pip early pacesetter Leslie Malcolm who finished on 228. The ever-reliable Ian Ritchie took a distant third on 216, with Sandy Chisholm fourth on 210, and Alex Mackay fifth on 209.
Round 11 on Saturday was won by Simon Harper who has shown some good form of late. His score of 40 points was amassed during a round of gross 71, with most of his good work done during a blistering front nine of 33 which included a birdie two at the short fifth. A steady back nine of 38 was good enough to secure victory by a single point from Bob Earnshaw and Ruari McCartney. Earnshaw’s round comprised two halves of 38 with birdies at the sixth and 18th holes the highlights of an otherwise fairly steady round. The big-hitting McCartney did his best work during a front nine of 39, with an inward 42 giving him a gross score of 81. If he continues in this vein of form it will not be too long before his scores catch the eye of the handicap secretary.
Ian A. Mackay’s score of 42 on Sunday was also enough to win round 12 outright, with Chisholm second on 39.
Youngsters Gregor Munro and Tom Ross finished in third and fourth places on 38 and 37 points respectively, just edging out their junior coach, Evan Sutherland, who came fifth on 36.
This weekend marks the beginning of the summer season with the traditional captain versus vice-captain’s match for both the gents’ and ladies’ sections tomorrow.
Gents should meet at the clubhouse at 9am for a 9.30am shotgun start, with the ladies meeting at 10am for a 10.30am start.
On Sunday players will be competing for the Ward Trophy and high-handicap prizes.
