Cormac and Emily get in the swing of things
Keeper Clark inspired by pal Mannus
Scotland youth international Cormac Sharpe has been crowned men’s scratch club champion at Blairgowrie Golf Club.
And after passing a 36-hole final examination with honours the 16-year-old starlet was back in the classroom at Blairgowrie High School.
Sharpe now has his long-term sights set on turning pro – like past club champion Bradley Neil, who had his name penned into the Blairgowrie record books when he triumphed at the age of 14.
Sharpe saw off stiff resistance from George Brass in an enthralling head-to-head played over the Rosemount and Lansdowne championship courses, posting a 4&3 victory.
“It was the first time I had played in the club championships because I have always had to pull out because of other events in the diary,” said the Barrie Douglas Foundation ambassador, who is now playing off plus one.
“It was great to get the win in a season which has been pretty much a write-off because of the pandemic.
“George played really well and even though I birdied six holes in a row after the turn on Rosemount – and carded a 66 - I was only two up going into the afternoon round.
“I was driving really well and my plan for Lansdowne was to stay steady and maintain the pressure.
“Both courses were in the best condition of the season and the weather was kind to us.
“It has been frustrating seeing all my plans for the season being wiped away but it was fantastic to win the championship.
“It was the best I have played all year but it was back to school the next day.
“And I’m already starting to focus on next season.”
The ladies’championship was captured for the second time by Emily Aird (24), who was the youngest winner of the club crown at the age of 16 eight years ago.
The one-time Breadalbane Academy pupil went on to combine golf and studies in a four-year degree course in the USA.
The former Newman University student edged out Susan Arbuckle 4&2 in Sunday’s 18-hole final.
“I took part in the championships last year but missed out in the other years,”she said.
“I have put a lot of work into my game over the last couple of years. I feel it has been coming together.
“It was an excellent match with Susan. We both played well and I really enjoyed it.
“Lansdowne was in lovely condition and the greens were running true and fast.
“I have been enjoying my club golf but I’m hoping to play in some of the bigger amateur competitions next year when hopefully things get back to normal.”
The seniors’championship was won for a second time by former police officer and long-time Perth and Kinross County player
Tom McLevy.
He posted an impressive 6&5 win over Stewart McIntosh.
McLevy (60) has been no stranger to the golf course in recent weeks.
He returned to his compliance officer role with Graham Environmental last week, having been furloughed.
By then, he had clocked-up 87 consecutive days golfing, in all weather.
“During the first 10 weeks of lockdown I had walked more than 300 miles and when the golf courses opened up I decided to keep things going,” he explained.
“I sometimes managed two rounds in a day so I racked up more than 90 games along the way,”added McLevy, who won the club championship 19 years ago.
“Ironically, on my first day back in the office the wind and rain was so bad even I wouldn’t have ventured out onto the golf course.”
At Perth Artisan Golf Club, Bally Whytock defeated Adam Taylor 3&2 in the McNab scratch final played over the North Inch course.
And in the handicap event, Gordon Rattray defeated Paul Hainey 3&2.