AS THE summer golfing season draws to a close at Blairmore & Strone Golf Club, members have been enjoying the final rounds of the summer series of cups and competitions.
Cup competitions have continued on Saturdays, with the popular Texas Scrambles taking place on Sundays. Two recent competitions, in particular, have provided plenty of interest.
The Dougie Hamilton Open was played recently, attracting both local and visiting players in what proved to be challenging conditions. The course had endured almost constant rain over the preceding ten days, making conditions particularly difficult for greenkeepers Billy Ferguson and Andrew Balmer.
After considerable effort, and a final inspection and preparation on Saturday morning, the course was declared playable and the competition went ahead.
The resulting contest was a close one, with some excellent scores considering the conditions. Bruce Marshall emerged as the winner with an impressive net 65, followed by Neil Munroe with a net 68. Both players are members of Blairmore & Strone.
Third place went to Crawford Richard of Cowal with a net 69, while Marcus Keith from Innellan finished fourth with a net 70. There were a further four players also returning net 70s, but Marcus took fourth place on the countback, thanks to his inward nine.
The club was very grateful to Neil Warnock for providing the prizes. Dougie Hamilton was Neil’s wife’s grandfather and was a member of Blairmore & Strone Golf Club from the early 1960s until the 1990s, making the competition a fitting tribute to his connection with the club.
Thanks were also given to the ladies who provided bacon rolls, as well as hot rolls with sausage and onions. These were very much appreciated by players and visitors alike.
September also saw the return of the club’s traditional Back to Front competition. For those familiar with the course, the opening hole – played up the precipitous ninth fairway – immediately sets the tone for a challenging round.
The unusual format provides plenty of difficulties, with carries over dense, unplayable bracken and heather and, in places, rows of mature trees. Some holes are challenging enough to play, let alone see from tee to green. Despite the occasional lost ball, however, the competition progressed successfully.
Neil Munroe eventually claimed victory, with Billy Ferguson finishing close behind.
With the summer programme now drawing to a close, attention turns to the winter season. The club’s Winter Cup will be played on the third Saturday of each month, while monthly medals will take place on the final Saturday. Bounce games in between will ensure that members have plenty of opportunities to keep their game in shape over the winter months.
