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BRAVEHEARTS at THE ISLE of HARRIS GOLF OPEN ( Scarista)
A quite remarkable turnout to contest for the Harris Tweed Jackets at the Isle of Harris Golf Open on Sat 21st August.In what can only be described
as attrocious conditions a full house of 80 competitors battled against lashing wind and rain to compete. Fulsome in his praise was Club Captain Hugh Maclean
"I can't thank the players enough for supporting us on such a day, especially those who had to make ferry journeys to get here. I'm overwhelmed by the loyalty we receive from Benbecula Golf Club, Skye Golf club and the Stornoway Ladies. And this year making the ferry trip over for the first time the boys from Muir of Ord Golf Club' Continued Hugh " On Friday evening we feared the worst. Winds were freshening throughout the day and sure enough our marquee and food tent blew over late in the day. With forecasts of gales for the Saturday and ferry cancellations I honestly feared that the tournament would be decimated number wise. But not a bit of it!
40 on the tee at 8oclock for a shotgun start and the tournament was underway. Conditions were tough - no other way to describe them. News then that the ferries were running brought hope that "the Boys " might make it over. Sure enough for the second 40 start at 12.30 among them were the Skye , Benbecula and Muir of Ord players. Not one missing. " It was quite emotional " remarked Hugh.
How would the players cope with the conditions? Very well is the answer. Carding a splendid gross 70 and winner of a covetted tweed jacket for the first time was Muir of Ord Player Stevie MacIntosh. Pushing him was brother David with 72. Great scoreing in tough wind lashed conditions
in the h'cap competition The Jacket was won by Vaughan Ralph, Moray Golf Club, 79 (13) 66 nett. In 2nd place was D. F Morrison ( Cardross ) 81(14) 67Nett
In the Ladies Scratch competition the winner was Pam Jack (Bellingham) with a score of 82.pipping into 2nd place Jane Nicolson (Stornoway ) with a gross 85
As both Pam and Jane are former "Jacket" winners the prized trophy was passed to third placed Maureen Robertson ( Dalmahoy)
In the Ladies H'cap the winner was jane Nicolson (Stornoway ) 85 (20) 65 and in 2nd place was Maureen Robertson (Dalmahoy) 85(18)67 Again as both ladies are holders of a 'jacket' the prize went to third placed flora Imrie with a nett 68
In the Archie Macleod Trophy for local resident members the winner was Domhnall Angaidh Morrison 82(10)72 pushing his brother Tormod into 2nd place 86 (12) 74 In third place was Russel Tennent 91 (17) 74. Nearest pin at the 4th was Euan Donaldson
Hugh concluded " well done to our prize winners for great scoring and look forward to seeing you next year defending your titles.
The previous day, in argueably worse weather, was held the Life members Tournament. 36 hardy souls took to the links in gale conditions. Winner at the end of the day with a fine card was Francis Clark (Royal Aberdeen) Gross 72. Exceptional card in the conditions. In 2nd place in the scratch was Euan Donaldson( Craigielaw)with 75
In the h'cap competion the winner by virtue of better inward half was Neil Dickson (Hever Castle Golf Club who carded 83 (16) 67 nett . In 2nd place was Iain Clark (Harris Golf club) Nearest the pin at the 4th was Barry Izzard (Knighton Heath)
The Club acknowledges the support it gets in staging these two tournaments from Isle of Harris Knitwear Co, Caledonian Macbrayne and Harris Tweed Hebrides.
Joining the Life members after their Tournament ,in the Tent .were invited guests, members and friends as the Club celebrated the Official Opening of its new Clubhouse and Development Project.Hugh Maclean spoke of his pride in being part of a committee that brought this superb development to fruition ,thanking the community and Funding partners for standing shoulder to shoulder with the club in providing a facility that all in Harris can be proud of. Responding was mr Angus Campbell leader of Comhairle nan Eilean who praised the Committee for its vision and the willingness of the council to support projects that enhance a community, be it in youth development ,or areas that impact in jobs or the economy. Mr Willie Mackay ,Regional Manager Clubgolf Highland, spoke of the huge impact this development would have on golf on the island and in particular junior participation. Past captain Willie Fulton thanked all for attending in particular representatives o f the funding agencies - Comhairle, HIE, Sportscotland, Awards for All, Ward priority Funding, North Harris Trust and the Life Members.
All those assembled were then led by piper Scott Bennett to the magnificent new clubhouse where mr Archie macleod, founder member and past captain was proud to cut the ribbon for the Official Opening. A great day.
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