Record
turnout for Reay Golf Club Junior Open
20
August 2009
A record turnout of 81 juniors turned out to contest
the Reay Golf Club Junior Open, reports Grant Coghill
from the Club’s Junior Section.
A large contingent of juniors from
outwith the county, including four visiting juniors
from Switzerland, travelled to take part and Reay Golf
Club were especially grateful to Brora Golf Club who
managed to muster a bus load.
The weather, whilst windy, stayed dry and with some
very talented players ensured it was a fiercely contested
competition.
In the main competition, 18 holes off medal tees, 16
players fought hard for the prizes on offer. In the
end, two players dominated the competition with Ross
Munro (Reay) and Kyle Sutherland (Brora) tied on nett
66. Ross’s fine gross 80 won him the AEA Technology
Cup and title of Reay Junior Open Champion 2009.
The handicap section was won by Kyle with a 5 stroke
advantage over Struan Mackie (Reay) and Neils Peterhans
(Switzerland) – both on nett 71. Kyle won the
Northern Heating Trophy and a handicap reduction – just
rewards for his effort on an unfamiliar course in windy
conditions.
The 18 hole competition played off the junior tees
resulted in some spectacular scoring. The winner with
a handicap reducing nett 61 was Euan Munro (Reay) from
James Ross (Brora), Gregor Munro (Reay), Ian Mackay
(Reay) and Douglas Metcalfe (Thurso). Euan also won
the Beg Cup as leading player.
With some of the local girls playing elsewhere, only
one girl took part in the competition. The winner was
Jessica Mitchell from Brora with a nett 74 – only
2 over par – again a good score given the conditions
and showing the progress she has made since winning
the 6 hole competition last year.
Twenty one players took part in the ‘Birdie Baggers’ section
played over six holes. Scoring was very tight with
Ian Macpherson (Reay) just pipping Scott Ross, Scot
Gray and Keenan McIvor by one shot. Ian won the Alec
and Don Mackay Shield as winner of the section with
Lauren Ross picking up the trophy for leading girl.
The ‘Fairway Ferrets’ section for the youngest
players was played over the new three hole course for
the first time. Again, scoring was close and with 5
shots covering the first 14 players count back had
to be employed to find the winner – Connor Ross
(Reay) just beating Mark O’Brien (Reay), both
on gross 15. Four players were tied on gross 16 – Ben
Campbell and Campbell Ross (Brora) from Connor Cook
and Andrew Thompson (Reay). Connor won the Dunnett
Shield with Joanna McLean (Brora) winning the 3 Hole
Cup as leading girl in the category.
A small competition for those able to complete one hole, the ‘Tichy Tigers’ was
keenly contested by 4 players. Scoring was good with Danya Mackay (Reay) just
pipping Jade Mackenzie (Brora), Nicole Ross and Michaela Mackay (Reay), by one
stroke.
Reay’s Head Coach, Evan Sutherland, wished to thank all the sponsors -
W & D Ross, Mrs. J Wallace, D C Mowat, Bank of Scotland, Royal Bank of Scotland,
O’Brien Construction, A & D Sutherland, Nuvia, Inverness Golf Centre
and Mr Alistair Giles for their support. As a result of this kind sponsorship
every player received a prize.
Following a fine meal enjoyed by all, the prizes were presented by Archie Campbell
on behalf of the Reay Golf Club.
