Mixed Fortunes for Howies at the Scottish Amateur Championship | Latest News
/Craig and Darren Howie were both in action on the national stage at last week’s Scottish Amateur Championship at Prestwick, flying the flag for Peebles. With the top-64 from a field of 260 players qualifying for the match play stages after two rounds, both Peebles stars made it through safely on three-over par in a share of 29th place.
After a thumping 6&4 win in his first round match, Craig drew number one seed Sandy Scott from Nairn in the last-32 but after a thrilling game, he went down by one hole at the final green. Younger brother Darren enjoyed a superb 3&2 win in his first round match against Scotland Boys team-mate Rory Franssen then reached the last 16 with a win against Benjamin Henderson from Deeside. However, he came unstuck with a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs against the impressive Stuart Easton from Irvine, going down 5&4, but can be pleased with his week’s performance going into the Boys Home Internationals at St Anne’s this week as Scotland’s number one ranked junior golfer.
Davie at the Double
Fresh from teaming up with his son Sam to win last week’s Pro’s Day, form man Davie Tait made it two-in-a-row with an excellent performance on Saturday to win the Holmes Bowl. The six-handicapper posted an impressive two-over 72, with included birdies at the 6th, 9th and 13th for a nett 66, finishing one clear of Ian Stewart. Who would bet against the Eddleston man claiming the hatrick in this weekend’s Thorburn Cup, an event he has won before?
Another former Thorburn Cup champion Colin Fraser continued his fine form to score his second five-under 65 in recent weeks during the last the third round of the Holiday Tankard, posting an impressive six birdies. But it was not quite good enough to take top spot on the night, with Colin Brown edging ‘Frase’ on nett 65 thanks to his excellent one-under scratch 69. Brown reached the 14th hole in three-under thanks to three birdies in a row from the 11th, but dropped shots at the 16th and 17th. Great golf from both players!
Ladies Round-Up
Impressive scoring also in the ladies section with Lorna Rutherford winning the Seniors' Trophy thanks to a 69(18) and Martha Shortreed scoring 38 points to lift the Veitch Cup. Next up is the Autumn Meeting on Monday 14 August, with the latest SGA Medal taking place the following Monday, 21 August.
Aiken Brothers One-Two
Testing conditions greeted the players for Sunday’s Junior Monthly Medal, which proved to be a battle of the ever-improving Aiken brothers. Elder brother Ross just came out on top with a nett 70 (21), one shot clear of Murray, with Kerr Sutherland on third also on 71 and Fearghas Lowther fourth a shot further back. Credit to all the players who took part on Sunday, with only three shots separating the top five players. ClubGolf coaching made its return and congratulations go to Sam Lees and Lewis George who were last Sunday’s Players of the Week.
Odd Shaped Ball Golf Day
We’ve had a great response to our forthcoming Odd Shaped Ball Golf Day, taking place next Saturday 19 August, with more than 40 teams already entered. A few team spaces are still available however, so let’s try and get the day completely full! A team of four costs £20 with some fantastic prizes up for grabs in the competition and the raffle and a few surprises in store on the course. Ally McGrath will be on hand at the 10th with a selection of tasty BBQ food to set you on your way for the back nine. Enter online or call the Pro Shop to book your spot.