Golfers resume competitive play at Lybster
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Competitions are back on the cards at Lybster Golf Club with a new schedule of fixtures drawn up for the rest of the season.
The first on the list was the resumption of the nine-hole senior Stableford which is generally held on Thursdays and Sundays.
James Bailie won the initial round on Thursday, June 4, with 21 points, with Mark Falconer second on 19 and Peter Knapp third, also with a score of 19 points.
The following Sunday's Stableford consisted of 12 players and was won by James Macleod who tied with his uncle James Baillie on 20 points but won on a countback, while Murray Smythe took third place on 18 points.
The April medal – held on Saturday, June 6 – was won by Peter Knapp, with Calum MacDonald second and Peter McCartney third.
The May medal is set to take place this weekend and the Wares Cup is scheduled for Saturday, June 27.
The honorary health and safety officer at Lybster Golf Club, John Gunn, said: "I have been really pleased by how all the members have abided by the government guidelines – also most of the members from last year have rejoined, which helps the club no end."
Players taking part in the competitions need to first book a tee time with club treasurer Jeanette Calder and arrange their own partner. Entry fees are being placed in an envelope and popped in the fees box, while scorecards are being pinned on the outside of the clubhouse at the end of the round.
Jeanette explained that the 36-hole cup competitions, generally held over two days, have now been reduced to 18 holes. Pairs cups have also been suspended due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Commenting on how it had gone so far since the easing of lockdown allowed golf and some other non-contact outdoor sports to resume, she said: "It has been good. A lot of people are not working and the weather has been good."
Jeanette added that they were still getting new members signing up as well as golfers returning to the game after a break. At the moment it is still only members that can play on the course, so the club is losing income.
Renovations at the clubhouse are still under way and it is hoped that work will begin soon on the kitchen being supplied by local company Ashley Ann.
As soon as the current restrictions lift the club hopes to hold a more formal official opening as members are keen to start socialising again.