Final thrills at Strathlene four day open

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 22nd 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 furthest away was a gentleman from Spain who is a regular at the four day open, as are a group 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 said. “Greens supervisor Stephen Herd had done a fantastic job. “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 made the short trip to Buckpool after Richard Simpson beat Cotswold Hills golfer Christopher Savage. Meanwhile, it was an all-Buckpool affair in the Badenoch Cup, with 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.

Full story in Banffshire Advertiser 6th August 2019