It was a busy weekend at Port Bannatyne Golf Club as members gathered for the club’s annual prizegiving alongside a fun and competitive curtain-raiser for the new season.
Friday evening’s proceedings combined the traditional prizegiving with a lively two-man, three-club, six-hole scramble, which proved a big hit among those taking part. The event was won by Martin Myatt and Donald Standaloft, who came out on top after an entertaining contest.
Last season’s match secretary, Sam Jamieson, oversaw the prizegiving, presenting awards across a wide range of competitions from monthly medals through to the club’s biggest honours. Abigail assisted with the presentations, as members celebrated another successful year on and off the course.
Among the standout winners, Donald Standaloft capped an impressive season by lifting the Club Championship, finishing ahead of Graham Dunn. Standaloft also featured prominently across the medal competitions and continued his strong form into the weekend.
Other major prize winners included John Black, who claimed the Kames Cup and the Hector Scott Trophy, while Martin Young secured the Hector Linden Trophy. Mike Ivory lifted the JMF Tankard, and Stuart McLean took the Grouse Open honours. The Standaloft Greensomes was won by Stuart Gilchrist and Sean Lawrence, adding to Gilchrist’s success alongside Kalum Ledicott in the Winter League.
The club also took time to thank those who keep everything running smoothly. Hazel and Roddie were recognised for their work in the bar and kitchen, while greenkeepers Duncan and Graham earned praise for presenting the course in excellent condition throughout the year. Outgoing match secretary Sam Jamieson was also thanked for his efforts, with best wishes extended to the new office bearers for the season ahead.
The action continued on Sunday with the Spring Handicap/April Medal, generously sponsored by Larry Devine. Played in glorious conditions, the competition saw strong scoring across the board.
Carl Kelly topped the first class with a score of 66, while John Whitelaw led the second class with 64. Robert McArthur produced the best overall performance of the day, carding a 62 to take the main prize. In the scratch category, Donald Standaloft again impressed with a 67, including a remarkable back nine of just 29.
There were also several magic twos recorded by Chris McKibben, Colin Muir, John Black, who came close to a hole-in-one, and Ewan Irvine, adding to the excitement on the day.
With the course described as being in spectacular shape and strong early-season participation, the club will be hoping this momentum carries through what members are optimistic will be one of their busiest and most successful years yet.
List of prizewinners
Overall Stableford: 1, – Robert McArthur (62); 2, – Carl Kelly (66); 3, – John Whitelaw (64); 4, – Donald Standaloft (67); R McArthur (overall winner on countback).
Scratch winner: 1, – Donald Standaloft (67).
Winter League: 1, – Stuart Gilchrist & Kalum Ledicott.
Club Championship: 1, – Donald Standaloft; 2, – Graham Dunn.
Medals finals: Scratch, – Sam Jamieson; 1st Class, – Iain McFarlane; 2nd Class, – Hector Whitelaw.
Hector Scott Trophy: 1, – John Black; 2, – Iain McFarlane.
McMillan Trophy: 1, – Donald Standaloft.
Hector Linden Trophy: 1, – Martin Young.
JMF Tankard: 1, – Mike Ivory.
Grouse Open: 1, – Stuart McLean.
Jimmy Whitelaw Trophy: 1, – Mark Lindgard & Jamie Campbell.
Standaloft Greensomes: 1, – Stuart Gilchrist & Sean Lawrence.
McLeod Port Open: 1, – Graham Bolton.
Greenkeepers Quaich: 1, – David Greer & Colin Muir.
Kames Cup: 1, – John Black.
Arthur Slack Trophy: 1, – John Whitelaw; 2, – Robert McArthur.
