On-form O’Brien secures victory at Reay

SEVERAL brave souls endured squally showers and chilly temperatures to compete for the December Medal held at Reay recently.

The tricky weather conditions were reflected in the scoring with no-one in the field able to post a nett score below 70.

Taking first place with a nett 71 was John O’Brien who has shown a welcome return to form after a difficult summer season. O’Brien helped himself to a birdie four at the fifth hole on his way to an outward nine of 39. However, his challenge suffered a serious setback with an ugly triple-bogey seven at the normally straightforward 12th hole.

O’Brien responded in spectacular style, playing the final six holes in level par with a birdie at the 16th, to complete an inward half of 39 for a best-of-the-day gross 78.

Beaten into second place by a single stroke after carding a nett 72 was club president and short-game expert Fred Groves. He had an indifferent start to his round, but pars at the fifth and tricky seventh holes helped him to reach the turn in 41.

His round really took off on the back nine where he posted six pars and three bogeys to come home in a mere 38 strokes. Unfortunately, this late charge was not quite enough and Groves was left to rue a couple of sloppy holes on his front nine.

Taking third spot on nett 74 was Cammie Ross. He made hard work of the front nine, reaching the turn in 44, but he found his rhythm during the second half with an inward 39 which included a birdie at the 16th.

On Hogmanay, round four of the Winter League Stableford is scheduled to be played when several players will be looking to close the gap on early pacesetter Willie Allan. Those wishing to blow away the cobwebs will be able to compete in the appropriately named Whisky Sweep on New Year’s Day.