A gallant defence falls just short

Very much like the previous day, the early starters would have the more challenging conditions. And when 2010 Champion Robbie Faulker drove off, the winds were lighter and the skies showing encouraging signs of blue. Brian Findlayson, the Course Manager, had prepared the course superbly, with the greens registering a credible 9.5 on the stimp meter.

24 players had survived the cut from the previous day and the early scoring was proving uncharacteristically high. Five shots lay between first-round leader, Robbie Faulker, and seven other players who would have a realistic chance of lifting the 2011 title. And so it proved, with all the main challengers reaching the turn in level par or better. Turning back into the wind from the eleventh tee was to proved pivotal with eight players becoming four, shots being dropped at a variety of holes.

Coming down the final few holes, any of the remaining four had a chance of winning: Stuart Dixon was making great use of that broom-handle putter with a series of pressure saves; David Miller was grinding out the pars; Euan Brown was making a charge on the birdie trail; but sadly Robbie Faulker was hitting the wall. Pushed tee shots were beginning to cost the reigning champion dearly. And by the 17th tee he had been overtaken by his challengers, to finish with a disappointing 8 over for the day.

By the 18th it was down to two, Euan Brown and David Miller, and a nail-biting finish. David recorded a second 73 to complement his 76 on the first 18 ...a total of 149. However, Euan followed a 77 on the first 18, with a superb 2-under 70 on day two for a Championship winning total of 147.

Certainly a worthy winner and champion for 2011. Well done, Euan.

It's all about the putting!!!

A three-hole deficit is not insurmountable and with honours even at the tenth, both ladies scoring par 4's, could the match swing either way?
Alex certainly had the upper hand. And it was then she moved up a gear. A birdie at 11 was set up by a superb approach ...a solid three-wood second shot at 12 followed by an eagle putt put Alex 5 up as the ladies returned to the traditional part of the Links Course.
Again, both players split the fairway with their drives ...both players failed to find the green with somewhat average approaches. Helen felt she had to attack, but her aggressive next shots would cost her a bogey five. Meanwhile Alex chipped to 6 feet and the trusty putter did the rest.
A 6&5 win is the official result, but that does not reflect the margin in real terms. Helen played solidly putting up a strong fight; she only made one real error. Unfortunately she was against an opponent who was at the top of her game on the green.
All in all, it was an excellent final, played in a very friendly manner and a great advert for ladies golf at Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club.

The Ladies Championship 2011

The weather gods were more than kind when the Ladies Club Championship got under way on Saturday afternoon in what was seen as a 'David and Goliath' challenge between Helen Love and Alex Glennie. Not the case!!
Fresh from her success with the Scottish Seniors Team, Alex was certainly regarded as the favourite. However, Helen would prove to be a very gutsy competitor and make more of a game than the statistics would suggest.

Both ladies would hit the fairway with excellent drives, reach the green in regulation and complete the hole in par 5's. The next two holes were pivotal in the front 9. Whilst an unlucky bounce took Helen's tee shot into the fairway bunker at the second, her recovery shot found the burn making any chance of a result beyond reach, a concession giving Alex a one hole lead. However Helen would take advantage of Alex's wayward tee shot at the third. A 'grip it and rip it' approach shot with a three wood to the centre of the green followed be two safe putts restored the game to square.
The ladies traded pars for the next three holes and when Helen holed out from the bunker at 6, maybe it was going to be her day.

Seven and eight was the story of poor, followed by good putting. Helen uncharacteristically three-putted 7, while Alex sank a trickly 12-footer at 8 for a birdie and a 2-hole advantage. A wayward second shot at the ninth, her only one of the day, allowed Alex to extend her lead to three at the turn.
Could Helen come back from the brink?

The 2011 Club Championship tee's off

On a somewhat cold Summer Saturday, David Miller got the 2011 Club Championship under way. And as you expect from a past winner, a fairway-splitting drive was an encouraging start to his latest attack on the title. However, as would prove, the early morning weather, with its strong winds and low temperature would provide a significant challenge to all the competitors.

Nevertheless, David guided the ball round the Links Course to in a credible 76, whilst playing partner for the day, Calum Sharpe was one stroke more.

36 qualifiers would brave the elements returning a variety of scores, with 2010 Champion, Robbie Faulker's 72 the best of the day.

Still looking for budding authors!!

There are nine new chapters ...nine new authors ...I have three ...I need six!
There must be six more creative, linguistic geniuses out there who would love to see their words in print, for posterity!!
Could you write about any of these?

• Club personalities




• The changing face of the Clubhouse




• Club Records
  



• Testmonials




• Ecology




• The Future

...........then, I'd like to hear from you.