Ryder Cup feeling at the county finals
Europe’s Ryder Cup triumph at Le Golf National in Paris had golf fans glued to the television.
But talented golfers from Perth and Kinross missed much of the action due to competing in a special weekend of finals across the region.
Teams lined-up in Scratch League and Bell Trophy showdowns as the summer season of golf prepares to come to a close.
The day before Thomas Bjorn gleefully lofted the famous Ryder Cup trophy into the air, a cup was being hoisted in celebration at Blairgowrie Golf Club.
That was following an all-Blairgowrie final in the Junior Scratch League, which was won by the team of Cormac Sharpe, Gregor Graham and Connor Graham.
In the men’s Scratch League final, held at Crieff Golf Club, it was Kinross who were the ones in celebratory mode.
The five-strong team of Thomas White, Scott Michie, Andy Jackson, Davie Mitchell and Ryan Campbell defeated Auchterarder were runners-up of the gents’Scratch League. Pictured are Ewan Farquharson, Scott Haxton, Martin Rogalski, Kev Donaldson and Steven Young Gregor Graham, Cormac Sharpe, Connor Graham, Declan Gray, Fraser Matthews and Katy Alexander Auchterarder three-and-a-half to oneand-a-half.
There was further success for Kinross the next day when the club’s players won the Bell Trophy final.
The handicap knockout competition was played throughout the season with, initially, 25 teams of five members playing matchplay singles.
With the match poised at 2-2, Kinross secured victory over Blairgowrie on the first extra hole of the final game at Pitlochry Golf Club.
Stephen Hynd, Scott Beveridge, Ryan Beveridge, David McKenzie and Neil Burke all played their part in the triumph.
Running alongside the gents’ event was the Junior Bell Trophy final between Taymouth Castle and Milnathort.
To be eligible, players must not have a handicap between scratch and five – a rule introduced in order to help the development of youth golf.
Again spectators were treated to a tense finish when the first four games in the clubhouse resulted in a scoreline of 2-2.
Ben Cowan of Taymouth Castle, competing in the deciding contest, managed to eagle 17 and birdie 18 to win the match on the last green.
Perth and Kinross County Golf Union secretary Alan Cargill was impressed with the standard of the golf.
“There were a lot of families and friends out supporting our young players,” he said of the Junior Bell Trophy final.
“And it is really encouraging for Perth and Kinross to see these young guys develop and compete in this competition.
“The golf on display was very impressive and the crowd really enjoyed the tense climax of the Junior Bell Trophy final.
“Comparisons were being made to some other golfing event over in France – but I think this was more exciting for our young players.
“I must give my thanks to Blairgowrie Golf Club, Crieff Golf Club and Pitlochry Golf Club for their hospitality. The courses were in great condition.
“Games in the Scratch League and Bell Trophy were played in excellent spirit and proved to be a fitting end to the respective competitions.” The winning Kinross Scratch League team of Thomas White, Scott Michie, Andy Jackson, Davie Mitchell and Ryan Campbell