County golf:

Sep 23 2011 by Jean Pedder, Stirling Observer Friday

IT was not the best opening day for Tulliallan’s Bob Stewart in the Senior Home Internationals at the Woodhall Spa golf course in Lincolnshire last week, when he lost both his opening foursomes and singles matches to experienced Irish golfers.

However, on the second day, playing with former Tulliallan member Fraser McCluskey he bounced back with a foursomes win against England, beating Charles Banks and Alan Squires by 3/2; Bob lost his afternoon singles in a close match with Andrew Stacey, going down 2/1. The Scottish Team were now in a precarious position, and with the wooden spoon staring them in the face they produced a resounding victory against Wales on the last day to leave them in third place.

Bob made a good contribution to the last day’s play with wins in both foursomes (3/2) and singles (5/3), to leave him with a fairly satisfactory performance over the three days.

IN the Frank Thomson Under 14’ triangular match involving Clackmannan, Fife and Perth and Kinross, the young County team can be fairly proud of their efforts. Against much more experienced golfers from the other two counties, and over the PGA course at Gleneagles, they amassed a respectable number of Stableford points. County Boys Convenor Sam Kinnaird was reasonably pleased “Even from the front tees, the PGA course is actually longer than the Kings Course at Gleneagles, and the boys have to be congratulated on a fine showing.” Alloa was well represented in the team with four members (Angus Boyd, Brian McAdam, Gregor McEwan and Jamie McEwan (11), the youngest golfer in the event. The other two were Tillicoultry’s Jonathan Clark and Braehead’s Ryan Blyth. Best scores came form County Junior Boys Champion Brian McAdam with 24 points closely followed by Gregor McEwan on 22 and Jonathan Clark on 21.

Perth and Kinross won the 2011 event with Fife and Clackmannan some distance back.

TULLIALLAN’S Callum Macaulay improved on last week’s performance with a top 10 finish in the Challenge Tour event held at Moscow, and no doubt causing him considerable happiness in returning to a golf game of his early professional days. Callum easily made the cut with rounds of 69 and 73, and there was more sub par golf in his third round of 71. In his last round a 3, 3 two birdie start put him among the leaders.

His finishing birdie was worth a few thousand euros, a 5 under par total of 283 and a share of sixth place, but more importantly, it must have given some confidence for the remaining five Challenge Tour events – a top finish in the rankings would avoid a return to the Tour school – its still possible so best of luck Callum.

It’s a big weekend for the Alva Golf Club team at Falkirk Tryst when their three man team competes in the Scottish Club Championship. If all three hit a golf game then Alva is in with a good chance, both Tulliallan and Alloa have achieved success in the event and the winning team from Scotland competes in the European event. Just before that, the County Senior team will be competing for the Scottish Senior Team Championship at Musselburgh, its another best of luck to both teams.

Stirling Ladies

THERE were two stableford competitions available on 20 September, one over nine holes, and one over 18.

The nine-hole competition was won by Cate Straub, with the excellent score of 20 points, well ahead of the field.

Meanwhile 22 ladies took part in the 18 hole competition, with Jackie Stevenson coming out on top (37 points) closely followed by Ann Wallace (36) and Maureen Noble (35).

Killin Ladies

IN the Senior Ladies Open played Wednesday, September 21, the Competition reduced to nine holes due to bad weather, with results as follows:

Overall Scratch: Margaret McRae, Pitlochry 44; Overall Handicap: Janet Buchanan, Dalmally 36.

Silver Division: 1 Janet Buchanan, Dalmally 36; 2 Maureen Taggart, Old Ranfurly 37; 3 Merope Dunlop, Old Ranfurly 38.

Bronze Division: 1. Moira Hogg, Old Ranfurly 38; 2 Christine Soutar, Blairgowrie 39; 3. Sheena Davies, Crieff 39.

Longest Drive: Silver: Janet Buchanan, Dalmally; Bronze: Jo Miller, Taymouth; Nearest the Pin: Mary Cullens, Strathtay 9ft 8; Magic two's: Margaret McRae, Pitlochry.