Jake Carpenter claims victory as Forres Golf Club's championship is big success despite coronavirus restrictions and freak weather
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THE coronavirus pandemic and freak weather conditions couldn’t stop Forres Golf Club hosting their big competition of the year.
The five-day open traditionally attracts home golfers as well as players from across the country, but this year had to be different.
Club manager Sean Blacklaw said: “Unfortunately with the restrictions in place we were not permitted to allow any visitors to take part.
"But our members supported the event in great numbers with 110 entries for the competition.”
Jake Carpenter emerged as champion in the gross competition, the Grant Cup.
He defeated five-time champion Bryan Fotheringham by a single hole in the final.
Fotheringham had beaten Stuart Maclennan in the semi-finals while Carpenter beat Robert Wilson.
The Fraser Cup (low handicap), in its centenary year, was won by John Ellis beating Martin Mackay four and three in the final.
The Capri Tray for high handicap saw Jon Coveney come through as the winner with a four and three victory over Robbie Fraser.
The first round of qualifying had to be abandoned due to the wet weather. Even then, early starter Steven Trevey managed to score a hole-in-one at the 17th.
“We would like to thank our members for their continued support throughout these challenging times and welcome the news from Scottish Golf that open competitions may now resume meaning that we can welcome visitors back to Forres Golf Club,” Blacklaw added.
