Dalmally rounds off strangest of seasons with prizegiving
Official competition at Dalmally Golf Club has concluded with the annual prizegiving rounding off the strangest of seasons.
After a delayed start, the club managed to run a reduced programme of events but unfortunately, like most if not all Argyll clubs, no open competitions. Nevertheless members enjoyed some of the best playing conditions in terms of weather and course condition in recent years.
The season ended, as is traditional, with a fun mixed ladies’ and gents’ game and the club presentations. Topping the list of lady winners was Rena Ritchie, taking the trophies for the nine-hole eclectic series, the Simmers Quaich, Two Club and a Putter and the overall Order of Merit.
Also among the ladies’ prizewinners were Alison Livingstone and Maud Marshall, taking the Tyndrum Trophy.
The Gents’ Club Championship, Scratch and Handicap, went to Graeme MacKechnie, who also picked up trophies for the Gents’ Match Play, Two Clubs and a Putter and runner up in the Order of Merit.
The Leisure Sport Trophy, the Strathorchy Trophy, the Autumn Stableford League and the winner of the Order of Merit went to Stephen Ross.
Other gents’ winners included Gary Wilson, Cowan Cup and the McIntyre Greensomes; James MacMillan, McIntyre Greensomes; Alan Campbell, Gents’ Senior Champion; David McGregor, Summer Stableford League and Owen Moran, Most Improved Player. Lewis MacMillan took the Junior Trophy and Andrew MacMillan, Most Promising Junior. Commenting on the season, club captain Graeme MacKechnie said: ‘Despite the Covid crisis, Dalmally has seen record numbers of visitors and while bar and food income was down, green fees held up well.
‘The main challenge to Dalmally was the loss of income from open competitions but the club had been successful in obtaining government assistance, like many other clubs, which had been gratefully received.’ Graeme also announced the launch of a new winter membership scheme, with full playing membership available from November until March 31 2021 for only £60. The captain thanked all the members who had worked voluntarily for the club over the season, especially Jim and Alison Livingstone for their tireless efforts on the course, assisted by Martin O’Keeffe, as well as all the members who had participated in working parties, planting trees and shrubs and helped with club house and course maintenance.
Presenting Jim, Alison and Martin with small tokens of thanks from the club and the ladies’ and gents’ sections, he remined members: ‘While Dalmally has weathered the covid storm we, like all other small clubs, will have a number of serious challenges next year and the continued efforts of members will still be needed.’
The day concluded with an enjoyable, socially distanced lunch.