Deluge can't dampen joy at return of Forsyth's Buckpool four day open
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THE heavens opened on the first day of the Forsyth's Buckpool four day open, but the deluge could not dampen the joy felt at the return of the contest.
In common with the other local four day opens, Buckpool's open last year fell victim to Covid regulations.
However, it was back with bang, with 141 golfers from the local area and further afield vying to get their hands on the four cups up for grabs.
It was almost clean sweep for Buckpool, claiming three out of the four trophies.
There was a home victory to celebrate in the Scratch Section Hendry Cup when Ruari Mair emerged victorious over Moray's Blair Moir.
The Handicap Secton 1 Seaview Cup was on the road down to Banff after Duff House Royal's Ian Angus triumphed over Iain Meggatt (Moray).
In the Handicap Section 2 Harbour Bar Cup, Buckpool's Daryl McGregor faced off again Calvin-Lee Wright (Cullen), the former claiming the trophy.
There was another Buckpool-Cullen clash in the Handicap Section 3 Doran Cup, the host club's Sean Mair getting the better of Michael Gillies, who was fresh from his triumph in the Banffshire Advertiser Cup at Strathlene.
Buckpool Golf Club captain Stuart McLeod hailed the return of club competitions after the enforced break due to Covid.
He said: "The return of all competitions this year has been a tremendous boost to the club, and to our members alike, so to see both our club championship and then our four day open, our biggest competitions, going ahead is very satisfying.
"Our four day open was very successful and we have to thank the members and guests who turned up to provide a very strong field and to play in what can best be described as not ideal golfing conditions. Congratulations to all of the worthy section winners.
"The return of all four day competitions within the local clubs is great to see and I’m sure I can speak for all golfers in the area that to play again in these competitions at this time of year is a blessing. Its testament to the strength of these competitions that we continue to see the tee times filled and sponsorship continuing year in, year out.
"The local businesses who support these competitions must get a mention. The competitions wouldn’t be where they are without their support. This is why we’ve valued our relationship with Forsyths so much over the years.
"We have worked closely with Scottish Golf and the Licensing Standards Officer to ensure the continued opening of the course from the start of the year, and latterly the clubhouse facilities, have followed the strict Covid 19 guidelines which ensures a safe environment is maintained for all our members and visitors. This in itself is an ongoing challenge, however we hope that as restrictions are eased we will see a return to what we used to call normal within the clubhouse. And as always we welcome all to Buckpool Golf Club.
"Our staff have had to work under very challenging circumstances this past year or so so we have to take our hats off to the greens staff for turning out the course in an immaculate condition and our staff within the club who keep us fed and watered and ensure the club keeps moving forwards day to day. It has been a great team effort by all.
"To have our opens and our own club competitions up and running as well as our clubhouse facilities returning to normal means everything to us at Buckpool Golf Club."
