Watson wins Heidbangers Cup
FOUR players were in with a chance of claiming Dunaverty golf club’s Heidbangers Cup but it was Sandy Watson who clinched the prize.
The final day of the year-long competition for the Heidbangers began with light rain and a stiff breeze, and 15 members playing.
Points throughout the year were amassed by scoring three points for a win, two for a second place and one point for each of 26 games played.
Going into the final round, Sandy Watson led with 43 points, followed by Neil Brodie on 42, Malcolm Ronald on 41 and Danny Halliday on 40.
Playing in the first group, Malcolm had 17 points after seven holes but a lost ball at the eighth did not help in his bid to win, although he still had 20 points after nine holes. Turning into a strong wind on the back nine he was unfortunate to lose another two balls and finished on 31 points.
Meanwhile the other three contenders had mixed fortunes with Sandy covering the front nine in 17 points, Danny 16 and Neil 15.
Crucial role
The wind on the back nine played a crucial role in the outcome as Danny had to win on the day to collect three points to overtake Sandy while a win or a two-point second place would ensure Neil the cup.
However the veteran Watson called on his experience to conquer the wind and record a win on the day, by virtue of a better inward half, and secured the vital three points he needed to win the cup for the third time.
Roy Bennett slipped into second place to deny Malcolm the runner-up position which went to Neil by one point.
Results: Final round result: 1 Sandy Watson 32 points (bih), 2 Roy Bennett 32, 3 Malcolm Ronald 31, 4 Robin Finlay 30 (bih), 5 Neil Brodie 30 (bih), 6 Alex Roxburgh 30.
Heidbangers Cup result: 1 Sandy Watson 46 points, 2 Neil Brodie 42, 3 Malcolm Ronald 41, 4 Danny Halliday 40, 5 John McDowall 38, 6 Terry Smith 37.