Highlights of the Golfing Year 2006

It was a busy old few months for the society, here are a few of the stand out moments.

6^th September

The first meeting of the season always eagerly anticipated. A windswept Tain Golf Course greeted the players, and a good afternoon’s play was enjoyed by all. Some new friendships were discovered, and some old faces re-acquainted themselves. Off to a flyer.

13^th and 20^th September

The players who wished to be considered for the team prepared themselves for the qualification. Oooh, you could cut the tension with a pitchfork. At the end of the day, the top eight 36 hole totals were accepted for the team, with a further 5 wild card picks, some were more wild than others.

1^st October

A nice little friendly match against Royal Dornoch was organised, with the freedom of the city at stake. The weather was particularly unfriendly for the teams, but they toughed it out and unfortunately UHI went down 4-2. So they had to settle for a steak and chips instead.

18^th October

Wednesday is golf day as far as the society is concerned, and with all of the pre-season commitments dealt with, the UHI winter circuit could get into full swing. The opening day saw players compete in the first eclectic round, with many fine scores. The course having since turned into its winter layout provides birdie opportunities, but not without tricky moments either. Bookmakers have stopped taking bets on the final winning score predictions, but to quote the great Cheech Marin-

“Those guys back there are on fire. If we don’t start making some birdies then we’re playing for second”. Wise words I’m sure you’ll agree.

22^nd-23^rd October

The most gifted of the UHI rabble made their way down to St Andrews Bay Golf Club and Resort to have a knock with the best of Scottish University golfing talents. Greg McBain, David Morrison, ‘Malcolm’ Murray and James Warwick made up the four man side, and what a great side it was. The boys represented the Society like true warriors, and were unlucky not to win the competition. Individually, David and Greg both came in the top three. I believe the outcome of the week was- “Stirling, UHI is coming to get you”.

Great work lads!

25^th October-15^th November

A succession of Wednesday medals took place over the Tain links, with many a good score. The matchplay competitions really started to get into full flow also-

Singles Matchplay Trophy

Twenty-four names went into the hat for the first round draw, and what a draw it produced with some real hum-dingers. In brief, Morton came through an interesting matchup with Jordon Whyte with a 2&1 victory, this one looked like a close match on paper and it proved to be the case. Graham Gordon went through to the next round after Chuckie conceded their match, The Rod was odds on favourite anyways. Greg McBain went through to the last 16 after a hard fought 3&2 victory over the experienced Ian Hamilton. It was Lyle Hastie who came through against fellow UHI team member Blair Cross with a well deserved 2&1 victory. ‘Statman’ Holmes and Dave Jnr locked horns in an epic tie, and it was Holmes who triumphed in this one 2up. The first 10&8 victory in UHI history was recorded as Jamesy Warwick sent out a chilling message to the rest of the field. No need to worry Bayu, I’m not going to say who it was against... In an all third year matchup, Gary Ogg defeated DTR in a close encounter, 4&3 for the Keith based player. Finally, in a first year showdown, Callum Taylor beat Cameron Renton 5&4.

The second round has conjured up some top notch ties, and there is sure to be some excitement. It has produced no less than four matches that see golf team members square up against one another.

In fact, a couple of second round matches have already been completed. Will Taylor won his match with Kumba, and Chris ‘the cat’ Bowles took Scott Hamilton downtown, handing the Elgin man a 2&1 defeat.

Early stages in the competition to be making any predictions, but insiders have said to keep an eye on Graham Gordon in the top half of the draw, and Jack Bailey in the bottom half.

Fourball Matchplay Trophy

12 teams entered into this year’s competition, all with the same dream of becoming champions. With one match left to play in the first round, this competition is still to take shape, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we see teams Bowles/Ogg and Bailey/Taylor make up the final, but I’m purely speculating.

Foursomes Matchplay

As with the Fourballs, this draw has yet to really get underway. However, expect to see Bowles/Ogg mixing it up a bit again, but with heavyweight duo Warwick/McBain in the same half they might be up against it. And don’t be surprised if Kemp/Hamilton come sneaking up from the bottom draw.

Remember, you can keep up to date with the developments through the use of your red button….I mean, just have a look on here from time to time.

Captains Picks

Through the wisdom of Society chief’s Alan Fleming and Rob McPherson, a Ryder cup styli event was masterminded. Each would select a team of their own from the golfing talents that the college could offer, and then they would play off against one another. A popular idea that proved a fitting way to end the society season.

As darkness fell over the Tain links, Fleming’s Failures were able to secure the 8.5 points needed to take the title. It was a great afternoon of golf, and not the last of these style events me thinks.

So, that’s about the all of it. A whirlwind stop of what happened over the second half of 2006. Was a good period for the society, and just makes you wonder what next year might have in store.

2007 has the prospects of being a very entertaining year for the society. The climax of the matchplay events will provide no end of incident. The UHI team will head off to Lossiemouth in the search of glory. The UHI strokeplay event will get underway, and the always well supported Anthony Johnstone memorial will take place.

Stay tuned to the website for the news and reviews.