JULY has proved to be one of the busiest months in recent years for Port Bannatyne Golf Club, and the momentum continued on Sunday with the annual Standaloft Heating and Plumbing Services Greensomes competition.
Fresh from the success of last week’s Jimmy Whitelaw Trophy, the club welcomed a record-breaking field of 58 golfers (29 pairs) to enjoy the ever-popular Greensomes format on a course presented in superb condition.
Blessed with excellent weather, competitors tackled the challenging format in which both players tee off, select the best drive and then play alternate shots until the ball is holed. Affectionately known by many golfers as the ‘sorry’ game, Greensomes always provides plenty of drama, laughs and the occasional apology between playing partners.
Despite a packed calendar of events elsewhere on Bute, it was encouraging for members to see such a fantastic turnout at the club, underlining the growing popularity of golf at Port Bannatyne.
The clubhouse and beer garden were buzzing after play, with food and refreshments enjoyed by players before an entertaining prizegiving. Alongside the golfing prizes, the raffle proved a huge success, raising more than £1,000. The impressive prize table featured everything from four-ball vouchers, golf bags and an Odyssey putter to bottles of spirits, cases of beer and even the club’s traditional padded toilet seat prize.
On the course, several pairs returned outstanding scores. Alan Stewart and David Greer led the scratch scoring with a superb 71, while Roddie Leitch and Ryan Leitch followed closely with 72. However, it was Neil Whitelaw and Graham Fisher who claimed the top prize, producing an excellent net score to secure victory.
The club also paid tribute to the many volunteers whose hard work made the day such a success. Thanks were extended to Duncan and Graham for preparing the course to such a high standard, Roddie, Hazel and Jean for keeping everyone well fed and refreshed, and John and Donald for overseeing the scoring.
Special appreciation was also expressed to Donald and Michelle Standaloft for their continued sponsorship and unwavering support of Port Bannatyne Golf Club, helping to ensure another memorable day both on and off the course.
