Stewart held nerve to win
Stewar t Watt tamed tricky conditions in Paisley to claim the Renfrewshire Golf Union Match Play Championship title.
The elements were far from ideal for the final two rounds at Paisley Golf Club on Sunday May 23, with a strong wind blowing and a constant threat of rain.
Thankfully for the scorecards the competitors largely coped well with the tricky weather.
In the morning semi-finals, Darren Christie of Ranfurly Castle overcame a spirited challenge from Jack Crawford of Williamwood to finally win at the 19th.
This set up a final against Stewart Watt, from The Old Course Ranfurly, who won on the last green against fellow County player Paul Dorrian of Greenock.
Golf in both of these games was of the highest standard with birdies and bogeys being exchanged in the midst of some fine par golf.
In the final it was Watt versus Christie for bragging rights in Bridge of Weir.
The final started in very blustery conditions with the first two holes halved in par.
Watt won the next two holes when Christie missed both greens in regulation and failed to get up and down.
A birdie at the 5th gave Watt an early lead of three holes.
Watt hit the green in regulation at the next three holes and while Christie was left scrambling, he managed to get up and down each time to remain just three behind.
Christie was favourite to win hole 9 but from the left penalty area Watt hit the green and took two putts for par, while Christie having hit the green missed his birdie putt.
Both players missed the green at 10 and 11 but made par, before Watt hit the right rough at 12 from the tee and played out safe, while Christie went for the green from the middle of the fairway and came up just short.
Both were on in three and with Christie missing his birdie putt the hole halved in five.
Christie failed to hit the green on 14 from a poor lie in the right rough and with Watt on the green in two he failed to get up and down and went four down with four left to play.
Play on the short 15th was poor with Watt missing well left while Christie made the front fringe.
With Watt on the green in two, Christie took three putts with the hole eventually halved, leaving Watt a 4 and 3 winner.
A Renfrewshire Golf Union spokesperson said: “The thanks of the Renfrewshire Golf Union go to Paisley Golf Club and their members, for the courtesy of the course and for the superb condition in which it was presented.”