Buckpool Four Day Open basks in glorious sunshine as Ewen takes scratch crown
Superb golf and equally superb weather came together to produce a hugely enjoyable local golf open tournament.
The Morlich Homes Buckpool Four Day Open saw tussles aplenty on the fairways and greens as once again four pieces of silverware were up for grabs.
Joining the Scratch Hendry Cup were Handicap Section 1 Seaview Cup, Handicap Section 2 Harbour Bar Cup and the Handicap Section 3 Doran Cup.
Taking Michael Campbell’s scratch crown was Oldmeldrum’s Michael Ewen, who beat Neil Watt 2&1 in the road to victory.
In the Seaview Cup, the honours went to host club golfer Eddie Campbell, who saw off the challenge of Alexander Mackie 2 up.
Meanwhile, Strathlene’s Mark Wood’s 4&3 defeat of Ross Stewart saw him lift the Harbour Bar Cup.
Finally, in the Doran Cup, victory belonged to Grant Bryceland (Buckpool), who beat George Davidson 4&3.
Attendance at this year’s tournament was a healthy 137.
Buckpool Match and Handicap convener Christopher Farquhar said: “It was fantastic weather and fantastic golf for the Buckpool Four Day Open.
“We’re very happy with the 137 entrants we had and this year we saw an increase in the number of visitors who entered the open.
“The course was in incredible condition, the greens were great. The course has been a selling point of Buckpool for visitors and when they were coming back to the clubhouse after completing their rounds they were all complimenting us on the condition of the course, and the weather, too - although we couldn’t do anything about that!
“As I said, the greens were incredible; it’s said that we’ve some of the best greens in the north-east and all credit goes to our three greenkeepers Peter, Joe and David.
“In the four sections of the open, all 14 matchplay games went to the 19th hole, which goes to show just how good the standard of golf was. The longest match went to the 22nd hole. In the scratch final Michael and Neil both said the games were very tight.
“Most memorable for me from the four day open was the fact that everyone enjoyed their golf and had a great time on the course and afterwards in the clubhouse. We had a great four days of golf and socialising and everyone had goof things to say about the course - what more could you ask for?”
Thanks were voiced to main sponsor Morlich Homes as well as the bronze sponsors of the on-the course prizes during the two qualifying rounds: Scottish Links Golf Tours; Munro Roofing Services; Addison Tyres Buckie; Buckie Furniture, Flooring and Mobility.
There was also gratitude expressed to all who helped throughout the four days, from desk cover and selling raffles, to bar staff, Portgordon Pieces, referees and so on as well as all who donated raffles.
