There's sunshine on Strathlene as four day open roars back to life
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AFTER a Covid-enforced gap of a year, the Sandy's Carpets Strathlene four day open took to the greens again.
In glorious weather a total of 132 entrants vied for a total of four trophies
There was an all Strathlene-Buckpool contest for the scratch Craigendarroch Cup, Buckpool's Neil Watt edging out Jamie Robertson 5&3 in the final. Robertson did go on to scoop the Best Scratch Qualifier title.
Heading for Cullen was the Banffshire Advertiser Cup thanks to Michael Gillies, who triumphed over home golfer Keane Matheson 6&5.
The Badenoch Cup final went down to a 19th hole decider with Callan Slater (Buckpool) taking silverware after a close contest with Gareth Wright (Padeswood & Buckley).
In the Gordon Cup, John Duthie (Hilton) saw off the challenge of Murcar's Bill Imlach (5&4).
The Best Handicap Qualifier accolade went to Grant Drummond (Strathlene).
Club captain Sandy Mackie said he was delighted with the way the tournament had come roaring back after the enforced absence last year.
He said: "It was great to get the competition going again and it was very successful under the circumstances.
"There was a good range of entrants and we were delighted to welcome back 11 guys from Wales who come up regularly for the four day open. They've already booked their slots for next year's open!
"There was a very good standard of golf with a lot of low scoring in the early rounds as well as the final stages.
"It was also great to see a crowd of spectators for the final.
"The weather was very good to us and it's all been very heartening.
"On behalf of the club I'd like to thank our main sponsors Sandy's Carpets, as well as all our other sponsors, for their continued support. It's very much appreciated."
Four day open results:
Banffshire Advertiser Cup: Semi-finals – Michael Gillies (Cullen) beat David Clark (Strathlene) 1 up; Keane Matheson (Strathlene) beat Peter Harburn (Pad & Buck) 2&1. Final – Gillies beat Matheson 6&5
Badenoch Cup: Semi-finals – Callan Slater (Buckpool) beat Mark Wood (Strathlene) 1 up; Gareth Wright (Pad & Buck) beat Tony Greig (Buckpool) 5&4. Final – Slater beat Wright 19th hole
Gordon Cup: Semi-finals – Bill Imlach (Murcar) beat Bruce Thomson (Strathlene) 4&2; John Duthie (Hilton) beat David Tyson (Pad & Buck) 2&1. Final – Duthie beat Imlach 5&4.
Craigendarroch Cup: Semi-finals – Jamie Robertson (Strathlene) beat Chris Ross (Keith) 5&3;
Neil Watt (Strathlene) beat Brian Slorach (Strathlene) 2 up. Final – Watt beat Robertson 5&3.
Best Scratch Qualifier: Jamie Robertson (Strathlene).
Best Handicap Qualifier – Grant Drummond (Strathlene).
