Quaich success for Thurso Golf Club's Emma Durrand at Ladies’ Highland Open
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Four members of Thurso Golf Club, Anne Simmonite, Aileen Simmonite, Laura Durrand and Emma Durrand, travelled to Pitlochry at the start of July for the annual Ladies’ Highland Open. This event is played over five days and attracts more than 100 competitors from all over the country.
After two qualifying rounds the top 16 players in each category – scratch, silver (handicaps up to 22) and bronze (handicaps 23-plus) – go through to the matchplay rounds for a chance to become the 2021 champions.
The course proved too much of a challenge for Anne and Aileen but both Laura and Emma qualified for the scratch trophy. Laura qualified in seventh place and Emma in 14th.
Emma put up a good fight against Laura Walker from Muckhart Golf Club but lost 7&5 to the more experienced player on the 15th hole.
Although Emma didn’t make it to the next round she did not come home empty-handed. She won the Breadalbane Quaich, which is presented for the best combined scratch score from the two qualifying rounds by a junior (under 21 years).
Winning this was extra-special as her mum, Laura, won it 20 years ago when she was the same age.
Laura played great golf throughout the whole week and it shone through in her matches. She beat Deborah Pooley from Banstead 4&3 in her first match and then Isla Moncrieff from Aberfeldy Golf Club 2&1 in the quarter-final.
But Laura Walker proved to be too good for both mother and daughter and beat Laura 4&3 at the 15th in the semi-final.
