MASTERFUL
Crieff pairing are crowned kings of Perth and Kinross
Crieff Golf Club members John Roseweir and Bob Wilson held their nerve to be crowned Perth and Kinross Masters champions.
The prize pair defeated Pitlochry’s Willy Hutton and Colin McKinnell following an enthralling battle at The Renaissance Club.
Introduced in 2015, the four-ball better ball matchplay competition has become one of the main attractions on the local golfing calendar.
Teams of two competed across the county throughout this year to earn the right to book their weekend of semi-finals and final action.
In the third and fourth place play-off, King James VI members Alan and Graeme Coburn defeated Winston and Ian Flynn of Perth Artisans.
And in the showdown Roseweir and Wilson were From left John Roseweir, P&K golf president Charlie Gallagher, Bob Wilson and P&K golf secretary Alan Cargill
pushed all the way before securing an exciting victory on the third extra hole.
“The four pairs who made it through to the semi-finals at Gullane and the final at Renaissance really upped their game,” said Alan Cargill, secretary of Perth and Kinross County Golf.
“The conditions at Gullane were blustery and challenging — but holes needed to be birdied
or nett eagled to win. Both games were nip and tuck throughout and it was really competitive up until the end on day one. Both games were won with birdies.
“The better-ball scoring on the day was very impressive considering it was a new course for all the players.
“The conditions on day two at Renaissance could have put most golfers off their game, the wind was howling.
“But the guys settled into their games and it was a repeat of the Saturday performances.
“The surroundings clearly had an impact in lifting performances and the fact that the final was decided on the 21st hole tells just how competitive and enthralling it was.”
Cargill, who was present at the weekend of action in East Lothian, believes the popularity of the Perth and Kinross Masters will continue to rise.
He explained: “This is the third year of the Perth and Kinross Masters and it has grown year on year.
“We had 53 pairs enter this year with representatives from almost every club in the county.
“Once the guys who attended the finals weekend this year spread the word, and with the use of social media, we hope to increase this further next year.
“The players in the early rounds like the format and it has been quite easy to keep to the scheduled dates to get the early rounds played.
“It also gives players a chance to experience other clubs in the county — which is a great benefit to all and a key strategy of Perth and Kinross golf.
“This competition is open to all golfers and anyone can reach the finals — it is not an elite event.
“In fact, the handicap range in this year’s entry went from +2 up to mid 20s. Anyone who enters has a chance of progressing through to the finals weekend.
“I really do believe that this format of event, with the exceptional bonus of the finals weekend at the end of it, will grow in years to come.
“The best part for me was to see four pairs of players from four different Perth and Kinross clubs come together to enjoy a fantastic weekend in simply stunning locations, where the golf was friendly and very competitive.
“The memories and experience of the guys will live long in the mind. All of it would not be possible without the support and sponsorship of local firm GS Group.”