Inward nine sets Williamson apart at Thurso
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THE early players in Thursday’s Newsbeat Summer League at Thurso golf course definitely got the best of the weather as the rain started about midday and at times was torrential.
Bill Hossack played the opening nine holes in 22 points with Stanley Ross and Stephen Williamson hot on his heels with 21 and 20 points respectively. All three faltered on the inward nine but Williamson’s 17 points were good enough to give him first place on countback from Ross after both totalled 37.
Sandy Reid, with a back nine holes of 19 points, took third place from Hossack on the better inward half after both finished with 36. Ronald Mackay and Bob Robertson finished in that order, both scoring 34 points.
Weather conditions on Friday were a significant improvement and the scoring duly reflected the easier playing conditions.
The first three on the day retained their form from the Thurso Open where they each featured in the prize list.
Greg McEwan took first place with 39 points with a steady round of threes, fours and fives spoilt by a double-bogey seven at the seventh. Andy MacGregor went to the turn in two over par for 22 points. MacGregor ruined his chance of first spot with a no-scoring double bogey on the last hole but his total of 38 points took second place.
Terry Mackay and Alan Kennedy had very similar steady rounds for 37 points. Mackay was third after his inward nine holes total for 19 points was one shot better than Kennedy.
Gavin Souter also had 37 points. He went to the turn in 20 points despite a no score at the eighth hole. A further no score at the final hole relegated him into fifth spot. Iain Dunnett and Ali Simpson both scored 36 points. Simpson’s score was achieved in the conventional manner with points at every hole while Dunnett failed to score at three holes, had a birdie at the sixth and an eagle two at the 13th.
Andrew Lannon is the overall leader in the league with an eight-score total of 293. The closest challenger is Mick Ross on 290 with Souter one shot further back. Dougie Thorburn is lurking on 288 with Malcolm Morrison a couple of shots more.
