GOLF — Record Entry At Gourock’s Senior Championship

GOUROCK Golf Club’s Senior championship was recently played over two days, with players competing for the MacNaughton Quaich.

The tournament continues to grow, with a record entry of 75 taking part.

Stephen O’Kane finished in third place on a combined total 155, being nine over par.

Graham Aitken, who won this championship in both 2016 and 2019, competed very well once again with rounds of 75 and 77 to take the runners-up spot with a combined total of 152. Graham slipped back a wee bit with double bogeys at the 3rd, 6th and 11th in the second round but partially recovered the situation with birdies at 2, 12, 15.

Coming out on top was Colin Erskine who successfully defended his title and in so doing chalked up a record breaking eighth senior championship.

The highlight of the event for Colin was undoubtedly his eagle 3 at the 8th hole in the first round which contributed to a one under par 72 which also featured two birdies in the last four holes. Colin consolidated his overall performance with a steady 76 in round two despite a double bogey down the very last hole. Colin therefore won by a margin of four shots.

In the nett competition for the Baird Trophy, it was great to see John McWade playing off a handicap of 15 coming out on top.

John was slightly disappointed with his round one score of 90 (nett 85) on the Saturday but he came roaring back on the Sunday improving by eight shots for an 82 (nett 67) and therefore
a combined total of 172 giving rise to a nett score of 142.

Colin McKenzie had also shot an aggregate score of 142 but his split of nett 70 on the Saturday and nett 72 on the Sunday meant he lost out because of John having the better second round. A birdie 3 for John at the 36th hole proved absolutely crucial.

WH Kirkwood were once again the event sponsors and the committee and members of Gourock are grateful for their continued support.