Scratch claimed by Harcus while Teale shows skill to take handicap
A HEALTHY turnout of 64 golfers took part in the 18-hole Streamline Open at Dale last Saturday.
Streamline has sponsored this open for the last three years and it has become one of the most eagerly-anticipated competitions of the year. Two new trophies were donated by the company this year and there were also generous gifts to all players and some excellent prizes up for grabs.
The course and in particular the greens were once again in superb condition, inviting some good scoring. A stiff northerly wind punished any errant shots and made club choice difficult but there were still some excellent scores returned despite this.
Alan Harcus is currently the on-form player and he produced another excellent round of 73 to take the scratch trophy. Despite having a seven on his card at the 13th hole he also produced a tap-in eagle three on the par five 18th. Harcus’s play was otherwise very consistent and he came out on top by a margin of just one shot from Robbie Jamieson who returned a very steady 74.
Two shots back in third place was Ernie Smith with a score of 76 with Jordan Leask fourth on the same score but with a poorer back nine.
The fight for the handicap trophy was just as close with a single shot again being the margin of victory. John Teale has also been having a good season and his 86 (net 66) was enough to take first place.
John Jamieson came in with a good 79 (net 67) to take second place by virtue of a better back nine from David Kerr who scored 77 (net 67). Fourth was Ian Pottinger with a net 68. Robbie Irvine was fifth on net 70 and Ian Scott sixth on net 71.
Further prizes went to Ian Pottinger for nearest the line on the third, Stanley Sinclair for nearest the pin in two on the sixth, Robbie Jamieson for longest drive on the 13th and also nearest the pin on the 17th.
Captain Stuart Fox thanked the green staff for the exceptional condition of the course and welcomed Streamline sales director Ian Adam and regional director James Roberts, who presented the winners with their prizes.
Fox thanked Streamline for their continued sponsorship of the event and congratulated Mick and James for their sterling work in manning the barbecue and beer tent all day; the players certainly appreciated their efforts.
Fox also thanked Streamline staff for their assistance and involvement in organising the day and hoped that they enjoyed a continued and successful partnership with Shetland Golf Club. A total of £240 was also raised for charity which will be paid out to charities of Streamline’s choice. A very enjoyable evening was also held in the clubhouse after the presentation for those staying behind.
This open was also the third of eight qualifying events for next year’s Shetland island games team.
The four players currently holding the qualifying spots are Jordan Leask, Alan Harcus, Ernie Smith and Stuart Anderson.
The previous Wednesday saw a different format from usual with the J. Bruce Doubles Trophy being played where each player takes alternate shots. This was won by Michael Boxwell and David Kerr with a 72 (net 64).
The Alan Blance Memorial Trophy took place on Sunday with a fierce northerly wind making scoring conditions very tough. Despite that there were some very good scores returned with Marc Henry taking first place by virtue of a better back nine from Stuart Tomlinson after both returned excellent stableford scores of 39 points. Ian Leiper was in third place with 37 points and Dougie Shearer fourth on 36.
There will be a play anytime sweepstake tomorrow morning and the July Medals will take place on Sunday.
