Saturday 26th August – Finals Day
Following on the success of last year, this years finals for the club championships and the JC Reid Trophy were played on a Saturday. Once again it proved popular with all three games attracting a good level of spectator support.
The first game to be decided was the ladies championship where, in a repeat of last years final, Charlie Taylor played Gillian Lockhart over 18 holes. Having succumbed to an audacious chip in in last year’s match Charlie must have wondered what hit her as Gillian got off to a flying start. Despited a spirited fight back she was unable to claw back the early deficit leaving Gillian to take the championship for the second year in a row.
The JC Reid Trophy final also saw last years winner, Sean Higgins, in the final, this time facing John Pennycott. John, conceding a number of strokes on handicap, played some fine golf and on another day would have expected to fare better than he did. On his own admission Sean played the best golf of his life to prevail by 7 and 5.
In the gents final, played over 36 holes, two time champion Danny Head played Gavin Mainds who came close in 2021 before losing to Jamie Stewart at the 22nd hole. This years tie was equally tense with the players all square after 18 holes. The second round got off to a nervy start with Gavin taking a one hole lead on the 19th green but thereafter Danny fought his way back into things. By the turn he had got his wedge working well and he finally won the match on the 35th green to claim his third club championship
Thanks to all finalists who provided a fine spectacle throughout the day and to George McKechnie who once again refereed the gents final with quiet effectiveness.
Thanks also to Stuart who had the course in fine condition with the greens, by common consent, the best they have ever been; putting was not a job for the faint of heart. Our thanks also to John, Nancy and the clubhouse team for catering so well to players and spectators.