Cormack retains title in close Scratch final at Spey Bay open
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THE silverware at the Spey Bay four day open will be spending the next 12 months at three different golf clubs after a superb tournament.
Golfers from the host club, Buckpool and Maverston all claimed a trophy apiece in three thrilling finals.
The Auld Alliance faced each other in the Scratch final, with Buckpool's Richard Cormack retaining his title, triumphing 3/2 over French opponent Finlay Le Bouille.
A similar feat was achieved in Section 1, which was an all Spey Bay affair. Alf Bryce-Maynard retained the silverware after seeing off the challenge of clubmate Richard Johnstone with a score of 5/4.
Over in Section 2 James Leslie (Maverston) faced Buckpool's Steven Easton, coming out on top 5/3.
Club captain John Greene said that while numbers were down on last year – 57 compared to 70 last year – it had nevertheless been an excellent tournament for the club.
He continued: "The weather was fantastic for the open and the wind at times made it tricky and more challenging.
"The standard of golf was excellent throughout. The Scratch final went down to the 18th and we had two players – Richard and Alf – who successfully defended their titles.
"James Leslie is a young man just starting his golf career so it's great for him to win the Section 2 title.
"We'd a good clubhouse throughout the open and everyone enjoyed themselves which, at the end of the day, is the main thing."
Greene added that the club would be looking into the drop in entrants this year, with perhaps lingering fears over Covid preventing some golfers from further afield entering the tournament.
The club voiced their thanks to member Jim Gordon for his continued hard work in sourcing sponsorship and funding for the four day open, as well as event sponsors Gray's Recycling Services, Fochabers Ice Cream Parlour, DJMG Pipeline Services, The Woodcentre, Regency Car Sales and Regency Oils.
