Arran Golfers’ Association
Saturday June 25, Hope Cup at Corrie Golf Club. This year’s semi-finals got under way on a dry but breezy day at Corrie. The condition of the course was absolutely stunning and a big thanks to Pablo for his usual huge effort. Thanks also to Corrie for providing the referees, to Rab for doing the honours at the prize-giving and to Claire in the tearoom for feeding some of the teams.
Last week Brodick, Machrie and Lamlash all came through their first round matches. In the first semi-final, champions Brodick played host to Corrie. Despite a valiant effort from the visiting team, Brodick proved too strong and came through in convincing fashion to book their place in yet another final. Next out were Lam- lash against Machrie. Again Lamlash proved too strong and went in to the final to meet Brodick.
The final didn’t disappoint the 50 or so spectators and was as entertaining as any other finals from recent years.
The match swung to and fro with the wind playing a big part in things and some of Arran’s best players were, at times, made to look decidedly ordinary in the conditions. A good amount of birdies kept things exciting.
The first match ended three up to Brodick at the 18th and, with the back pair of Lamlash two up, they needed to win the last to go to extra time. A classy tee shot from Ewan McKinnon and a neat chip from Greg made things hard for the Lamlash pair and, despite a good up and down for birdie by Todd and Dougie, it was left to Arran’s best, big Ewan, to tap in for their third win on the bounce.
It was thoroughly deserved and it’s hard to see past them making it four next year.
The match was played in the best spirits of the island’s most loved competition and the Lamlash boys headed back to Brodick to join their opponents for drinks at Brodick clubhouse. The Dougie Macfarlane Award was presented in front of about 50 people to the island’s smallest but best greenkeeper, Pablo Moran, much to everyone’s delight. Rumour has it he’s retiring soon.