Robertson claims thrilling scratch final at Strathlene four day open
THE weather may not have always been consistent for this year's Sandy's Carpet Strathlene four day open, but the high standard of golf certainly was.
A total of 123 golfers from the local area and further afield converged on the links course to battle it out for four trophies – the Craigendarroch cup, the Badenoch Cup, the Banffshire Advertiser Cup and the Gordon Cup.
Claiming the scratch Craigendarroch Cup title in some style was Jamie Robertson, who saw off the spirited challenge of Graham Murray by 6/5.
Meanwhile, in the Badenoch Cup Ross Munro prevailed 3/1 over Chris Downie.
Claiming the Banffshire Advertiser Cup was Lee Marandola, his 1 up finish enough to land him the silverware ahead of fellow finalist Mark Aindow.
In the Gordon Cup, the spoils went to Stuart Chalmers, edging out opponent Colin Cowie by 3/2.
The Best Handicap trophy was won by JB Reid.
Looking back on a successful open – the second since the pandemic – club captain Sandy Mackie said: "We had a blip with the weather at one point but overall the four day open went very well indeed, we're delighted with it.
"The number of entrants was more or less the same as last year – with 123 taking part this year we were just nine down. The high price of fuel has probably persuaded some people not to travel.
"However, we still had plenty entrants from further afield. We were delighted to welcome back a party of eight golfers from Wales. Four of them made it to the knockout stages and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. In fact, they've already booked to play next year!
"We'd like to thank Sandy's Carpets and Furnishings for once again sponsoring the open."
Four day open results:
Craigendarroch Cup: Semi-finals – Jamie Robertson beat Blair Moir; Graham Murray beat Lee Hinks Edwards. Final – Robertson beat Murray 6/5.
Badenoch Cup: Semi-finals – Chris Downie beat Keith Shand; Ross Munro beat Tommy Mearns. Final – Munro beat Downie 3/1.
Banffshire Advertiser Cup: Semi-finals – Lee Marandola beat Liam Sutherland; Mark Aindow beat Charlie McKay. Final – Marandola beat Aindow 1 up.
Gordon Cup: Semi-finals – Stuart Chalmers beat James Ralph; Colin Cowie beat Ronnie Campbell. Final – Chalmers beat Cowie 3/2.
Best Handicap: JB Reid.