While the September weekend holiday has normally been the date for the biennial match between Kilmarnock Barassie and Nairn golf clubs, eight intrepid golfers from the Ayrshire club opted to journey north a day early and stop at one of the hidden gems of the Highlands and take the opportunity to hone their skills for the oncoming encounter.
Boat of Garten is just a few minutes from the tourist-rich town of Aviemore and has been the mecca for visitors from home and abroad for years. Set within the Cairngorm mountains 'The Boat', as it is locally known, was wonderfully presented, was featured in Scotland's top 40 courses in 2008 and bears the accolade of 'the Gleneagles of the North'. It is recognised as one of the masterpieces of golfing icon, James Braid, and features a superbly and individually sculptured eighteen holes.
Nevertheless, our wannabe golfing superstars opted for a Stableford competition format, off full handicap, playing in two matches of four. And just for a little added interest, they also decided to have a fourball better-ball match with in the each group.
The first match paired Howard Kewney and Billy Gibson locking horns with Scott Faulds and well-known Barassie stalwart NC Brown. Norman's team triumphed, with NCB amassing a generous 31 points, well below his expected best.
Match two brought together the Captain and Vice Captain who, with their prodigious length, delicate short-game and eye for the hidden borrows on the fast greens would joust against George Hamilton, who didn't quick fire on all cylinders and Findlay Rankin. The 'Officials' ran out worthy winners by one hole.
But the 'Big Winner' and champion for the day ...Findlay Rankin. Will he hold his form over the weekend? Have the skills been perfected?
Boat of Garten is just a few minutes from the tourist-rich town of Aviemore and has been the mecca for visitors from home and abroad for years. Set within the Cairngorm mountains 'The Boat', as it is locally known, was wonderfully presented, was featured in Scotland's top 40 courses in 2008 and bears the accolade of 'the Gleneagles of the North'. It is recognised as one of the masterpieces of golfing icon, James Braid, and features a superbly and individually sculptured eighteen holes.
Nevertheless, our wannabe golfing superstars opted for a Stableford competition format, off full handicap, playing in two matches of four. And just for a little added interest, they also decided to have a fourball better-ball match with in the each group.
The first match paired Howard Kewney and Billy Gibson locking horns with Scott Faulds and well-known Barassie stalwart NC Brown. Norman's team triumphed, with NCB amassing a generous 31 points, well below his expected best.
Match two brought together the Captain and Vice Captain who, with their prodigious length, delicate short-game and eye for the hidden borrows on the fast greens would joust against George Hamilton, who didn't quick fire on all cylinders and Findlay Rankin. The 'Officials' ran out worthy winners by one hole.
But the 'Big Winner' and champion for the day ...Findlay Rankin. Will he hold his form over the weekend? Have the skills been perfected?
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