Green for go at Dalmally Golf Club
Sunday was a big day in the season at Dalmally Golf Club with the opening of its new putting green and the playing of the annual John MacKechnie Quaich tournament.
The weather, with pleasant sunshine and a cooling breeze, was perfect for golf and the course was in excellent condition.
Events started off with the official opening of the putting green.
Club Captain, Graeme MacKechnie probably did not need to remind everyone that it had been a long time in the making, and thanked Carraig Gheal Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund and Greenpower for their financial support and patience, welcoming Finn Forrest, representing Greenpower.
Rob Forrest, Chief Executive of Greenpower, who was unable to be at the opening, sent a personal message. He said: ‘I am delighted that the putting green is now open following challenging times and weather.
‘It has been funded by a grant of over £5,000 and I wish everyone success in the John MacKechnie Quaich competition as part of the opening of the green.
‘I hope that members and visitors alike can enjoy the green for many years to come’.
Graeme MacKechnie invited Alison Livingstone to cut the official ribbon and her husband, Jim to hit the inaugural putt. Declaring the green open, he thanked both for their outstanding voluntary work on the course over the past months.
Now in its fourth year, and with a great turnout, the tournament was then played in memory of John MacKechnie, a much admired and respected club stalwart, and Graeme’s father.
This year’s format – a three-person, mixed Texas Scramble – was tightly contested with little separating the first three teams.
First were Judith McGregor, Martin O’Keeffe and James MacMillan on 57, second Ann McLaren, Terry Mcnair and
Lewis MacMillan, 58 (bih) and third were the MacKechnie ‘clan’, Alicia, Graeme and Arik on 58 (bih).
Concluding the day, Graeme thanked everyone – members, their families and many friends – for making it such a success: ‘My father would have been 80 next week.
‘We were prevented from running the Quaich as our traditional, opening tournament back in March. Having held it in his name today feels just right,’ he said.