Thorburn retains Reay title after play-off
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After 36 holes, both players were tied on a fabulous one under par aggregate score of 137, and a three-hole play-off was required to determine the destination of the trophy.
Following the first round it was Sutherland who held the lead following a brilliant score of 68 in damp conditions.
After reaching the turn in 33, with eight pars and a birdie at the sixth, he continued to play some excellent golf to come home in 35 with a bogey at the short 15th offset by a fine birdie at the par four 13th.
Thorburn also carded two birdies during his opening round of 70, at the sixth and 10th holes, but a trio of bogeys at the fifth, seventh and ninth holes left him two shots adrift going into the second 18 holes.
Thorburn responded with a terrific round of two under par 67. An outward half of 34, which included a birdie at the sixth, was followed by an inward 33, with further birdies at the 10th, 16th and 18th holes.
Sutherland posted a level par score of 69, comprising halves of 35 and 34.
In the end it was Thorburn who prevailed by the narrowest of margins in the play-off to retain the silverware.
Sutherland will have an early chance for revenge as the four-round Stroke Play Championship reaches its climax next week.
Winner of the Hebden Cup for the best nett score was Andy Bain, fresh from his win in the handicap club championship final the previous week.
Bain’s margin of victory was two strokes from Sutherland and Thurso’s James Lynch.
A fine opening round of nett 67 laid the foundations for his success, but gave no indication of the fireworks that were to follow during a second round of nett 62 which belied Bain’s handicap of 13.
Highlights of an outward half of 38 were birdies at the third and fifth holes, and a further birdie at the tough 11th laid the foundations for a great inward half of 37.
Sutherland gained some consolation, winning category one with his nett score of 131.
Recently crowned club champion Ross Munro continued his rich vein of form, taking second place on 134 following rounds of nett 68 and 66.
The ever-consistent Colin Paterson took third on 136 following two fine rounds of gross 73 for a pair of nett 68s, with Halkirk’s Gavin Gunn in fourth after following up a spectacular morning round of nett 65 with a nett 72 to give him a tally of 137.
Lynch claimed victory in category two with a very impressive nett total of 131.
The remaining places were occupied by members of the club’s junior section with Ruari McCartney taking second spot on 133 following two excellent rounds of nett 64 and 69.
Ian A. Mackay was third on 134, improving on his fine first round of nett 68 with a splendid nett 66.
Euan Munro took fourth spot a further stroke back on 135.
The weekend’s action begins tonight with the resurrection of the Midnight Mixed competition.
Players should meet at the clubhouse at 6.30pm.
A 10-hole competition over the crazy course will be followed by several golf-related challenges at midnight.
Tomorrow, players will compete in the Beinn Ratha Trophy.
