Millennium Medal for Thomas

Apr 1 2009 by Jean Pedder, Stirling Observer Wednesday

A BITTERLY cold strong wind welcomed a healthy turnout of 177 for the first competition of the new season at Dunblane New.

Despite having complained about being last out and finishing the last two holes in the dark, Thomas Pheely (13) won the Millennium Medal by two strokes with a 66, five under the CSS for the day of 71. After dropping seven shots in the outward nine, including a birdie four and six, Thomas only dropped shots at 12, 13 and 17 on the way home.

The Junior Vice Captain Euan Douglas took the Scratch honours with a 76 and the Best Inward Half, highlighted by a birdie two at 11.

The First Class was won by Jim Crawford (7) on 69 with 11 pars and seven bogeys. Runner up was Hamish McKay (10) on 70 built on a three over par outward nine including a birdie three at four. Three players returned 71 but third place went to Gordon Whitelaw (5) with the bih ahead of David Ivatt (8) in fourth place and in turn edging out Gareth Trainor (7) with a Better Inward Half.

Stewart Neville (13) joked his way to success in the Second Class on 68 highlighted by a birdie two at seven. Just home from Australia George Thomson (16) was soon in the money in second place on 71 and the bih. In third place was Bobby Brynes (12) who edged out Robert Weir (14) with a better last six holes.

Having not played all winter Gordon Campbell (19) returned to win the Third Class on 68 just ahead of John O’Donnell (17) on 69 who suffered by dropping eight shots over the last four holes. Cameron Ritchie (20) was third on 70 with Willie Turner (19) fourth on 71 and a bih than John Barbour (19) and Charles Hislop (18).

Members are reminded the entry books for all the various KO competitions are now available. Members are also reminded that the entry lists for the Gents’ Senior Open ( 44 spaces) and the Senior Mixed Open, now being played on Wednesday, May 20 are also now available.

On Sunday the club team edged their way past Muthill by three matches to two in the second round of the Mail on Sunday competition.

Next Saturday the Monthly Medal for April will be played.

Results: Millennium Medal: Scratch: E Douglas 76 bih; First Class: J Crawford 76-7-69, 2 - H McKay 80-10-70, 3 - G Whitelaw 76-5-71 bih, 4 - D Ivatt 79-8-71; Second Class: S Nevillie 81-13-68, 2 - G Thomson 87-16-71 bih; 3 - R Brynes 83-12-71 BL6, 4 R Weir 85-14-71; Third Class: G Campbell 87-19-68, 2 J- O’Donnell 86-17-69, 3 - C Ritchie 90-20-70, 4 - W Turner 90-19-71 bih.

DUNBLANE NEW LADIES

THE captain v vice captain opening greensomes was a great success with over 60 ladies playing last Sunday.

The captain secured a win after a closely fought match. It was a great day with good weather and good company and left the ladies looking forward to the start of the season.

Results: Macmillan Charity Spoon, March 24: Scratch winner C Kenny.

Division One Silver: 1 C Kenny 80-6-75, 2 - M Davidson 88-12-76 bih, 3 - E Harrild 96-20-76.

Division Two Bronze: 1 A Simpson 97-25-72, 2 - M McLeod 95-21-74 bih, 3 - N Lyons 96-22-74.

BRIDGE OF ALLAN

THE start of the season takes place this weekend with the annual captain v vice-captain match on Saturday and the first round of the Spring Shield on Sunday.

There will be a shotgun start on Saturday at 8am and 1pm and those wishing to play should place their name on the entry sheet in the clubhouse.

There are also some memberships still available with no joining fee and anyone who is interested should contact the club before the end of April.

STIRLINGSHIRE GOLF UNION

ON Sunday Stirlingshire A Team played the annual pre-season friendly against a much fancied Lothian's side and won 6½ to 3½.

Match Results, Stirlingshire first: Neil Cunningham (Falkirk ) lost to Stuart Smith 7/6; Andrew Lynch (Glenbervie) beat Allyn Dick 4/3; Chris Lawton (Stirling) beat Robert Carson 3/1; James Donaldson (Tryst) lost to Keith Young 4/3; Steven Aitken (Tryst) halved with Myles Cunningham A/S; Colin Mundie (Falkirk) beat Graham Robertson two up; David Buchanan (Tryst) lost to Graham Davidson 4/3; Kenny Anderson (Falkirk) beat Scott Walker 3/2; Lindsay Blair (G/mouth) beat Dean Muir one up.

STIRLING JUNIORS

FREE junior coaching is available for both non-handicap beginners and juniors with handicaps on April 6, 8, 10, 13, 15 and 17. Beginners’ sessions are from 10am to 11am while juniors with handicaps meet from 11am to 12 noon.

To book your place, pop into the pro shop or call 01786 471490. Coaching is provided by Phil Morris, teaching professional.

Junior medals will be held on Tuesdays, April 7 and 14, from 11am. There is a starting sheet on the junior club noticeboard.