Winter League update

Well the season hasn't officially started yet, but golf is being played and there are some tense rounds being played.

The Winter League reaches its climax this Sunday and whilst good scores, or a final 6th card may sway any final results, it's tight at the top of the Eclectic.

Peter Russell is leading by 11 strokes in Div 1, and will require Ronald Lambie to produce a net 56 to catch him.

In Div 2, Iain MacPherson leads Tam Lindsay by 5 strokes, with Tam needing a possible net 63 to do any damage.

Colin Stewart is the leader in Div 3 on 366 and has the smallest lead of 4 over Mike Maher. However, his nearest challengers will need net 60's or better to deprive Colin of his victory.

The Winter Eclectic isn't so decisive. Willie Young, Wattie Marshall and Peter Russell all on 54 with Iain MacPherson and Ronald Lambie snapping at their heels on 56. And having seen Graham Rees play on Sunday, a betting man wouldn't mind a wee flutter on him to snatch the title with only 3 shots to make up.

The Mail on Sunday Competition has provided mixed results. The Ladies Team suffered their first initial round defeat for some years. Whilst Gwen Lambie beat her opponent 6&5, the team drew, forcing Gwen and her opponent to play sudden death. Her oppononet birdied the 2nd hole, sending the team out for an early bath.

The Men's team had a similar competition, but with the result going the opposite direction. First Caps James Townsley and John Low provided tense affairs, with John losing the last hole to post a halved game. Phil Lambie, already in the clubhouse after a convincing win, was forced into sudden death after a drawn match, and took the team forward to the next round after a win on the 20th hole.

The course is looking in great shape, and has suffered no winter damage, which bodes well for the coming season.

I have introduced two new competitions for 2016 to encourage more play for our players with higher handicaps, or perhaps those that don't have time or energy for 18 holes. Players with a handicap of 25 or over can now enter either matchplay competition over 9 or 18 holes or both.

All the matchplay entry sheets are now on the noticeboards with a deadline of Monday 4th April for entries.

Anyone who can't make it to the club to enter their name, please let Claire or Douglas know and we'll enter your name for you.

Good luck to those for the finale of the Winter League...I will be busy Monday sorting out the winners.

Douglas Ogilvie

Match Secretary.