Thrilling finals at Strathlene four day open
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
CLOSE fought battles and fine weather were to be the enduring memories of Strathlene Golf Club's 2019 four day open.
In a testament to the finely balanced talents of the participants, three out of the four major cups being contested had to go to play-offs before the destination of the silverware was decided.
One of those delighted with this year's tournament was club captain Sandy Mackie.
He said: "I'm very happy with this year's four day open.
"In all we had 180 entrants, which is very slightly down on last year but this was due to certain members who would otherwise have entered working offshore during the competition.
"The golf was of a high standard with lots of very good matches. Three of the finals went to the 19th, 21st and 22 holes before they were settled, it was a really close tournament
"We were delighted to welcome golfers not just from the local area but from further afield as well. The furtherest away was a gentleman from Spain who is s regular at the four day open, as are a group who from Wales who come every year for the competition.
"They're already booking their accommodation for next year and are promising to bring more people with them so they'll be made most welcome."
Mackie went on to praise the condition of the greens and fairways at Strathlene.
"The course was in a very good condition indeed," he continued.
"Everybody commented on just how well looked after it was.
"Greens supervisor Stephen Herd has done a fantastic job and he should be very proud.
"All in all it was a very successful tournament which sets the bar for the local four day open series."
In the Banffshire Advertiser Cup, the silverware was making the short trip to Buckpool when Richard Simpson beat Cotswold Hills golfer Christopher Savage in the final.
Meanwhile, it was an all-Buckpool affair in the Badenoch Cup, Darryl McGregor squaring up to Matthew Robertson for the honours. It was to be the former golfer who was to claim the glory at the end of the day.
Cullen is the new home of Gordon Cup thanks to Alan Ross, who vanquished home club opponent Alex McCaig in the final.
Finally, Craigendarroch Cup saw Duff House Royal's Craig Bain slug it out with Moray's Blair Moir. Bain prevailed to take the cup back to Banff with him.
Other results:
Double scratch – 1. Craig Bain (DHR), 2. Brian Slorach (S/lene); Double handicap – 1. Mark Auld, 2. Carlo Marandola (both S/lene); Single scratch – Taylor Findlay, 2. Michael Campbell (both B/pool); Single handicap – 1. Darryl McGregor, 2. Nathan Legge (both B/pool). Consolation – Graeme Jones (Padeswood & Buckley).
