Mens Tournaments - Season 2009-2010

Reay Gala Open - 07 June 09
Ian wins trophy on countback

As Gala fever swept through the county Reay Golf Club hosted the Reay Gala Open this Sunday past. Another relatively temperate day ensured a healthy field took to the stage in pursuit of gala glory.

Despite a strong entry from Wick and Thurso golf clubs, it was a clean sweep for the Reay contingent in the men's event.

In category two, just beating your handicap was no guarantee of a prize, with a couple of 68's missing out narrowly. In fourth place with a net 67 was Liam Bremner, who continues to steadily peck away at his handicap. On net 66's were stalwarts Hugh Miller and Peter McCartney. A Birdie at the 6th and an extremely steady back nine for McCartney proved crucial as he pipped Miller into second place on count-back.

Beating not just all those in his category, but the entire field was Alex Mackay. Normally an extremely early starter with fellow insomniac, Kenny Farmer, Alex obviously benefited from a late-lie and a change of playing partner as he reached the turn in 39 shots. And with an extremely strong finishing few holes he added a back nine of 41 for a gross total of 80. Off Alex's ever decreasing handicap of 16 this amounted to a Gala Open winning net score of 64.

In category one, third place went to Colin Paterson with a net 69, narrowly edging out a pair of MacKays; Don and Dav, although Don can console himself after securing the scratch prize with a steady gross 71.

In second place was Lee Parnell, continuing a current run of form, with a net 68, but a three jabbed bogie at the last cost him dear as he was beaten in the dip for the line by Ian Ritchie, whose net 68 took the honours on a count-back of the last 6 holes. Ian's iron play was obviously hot as he posted a brace of twos at the 9th and 15th, on his way to a category winning 76(8)66.

Despite the clement conditions, the CSS for the day remained at 69.

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