GOLF — Whinhill Holds Junior Open
Robert Bell, Whinhill Golf Club captain, Scott Newman, scratch winner, Liam Moodie, overall winner, and Mikey Dorrian, handicap winner
WHINHILL Golf Club held its Junior Open competition with 32 young golfers taking part — 14 in the 18-hole event and 18 in the five-hole pre-handicap event.
Liam Moodie of Whinhill Golf Club was crowned winner of the 18-hole event after returning an excellent Stableford total of 42 while Kobi Phillips of Whinhill Golf Club, picture, right, with Whinhill captin Robert Bell, won the five-hole pre-handicap event with a total gross score of 23.
Scottish Golf Union vouchers were up for grabs for the overall winner and the first four placed competitors in the Handicap and Scratch sections. There were also prizes to be won at every hole, with the holes being sponsored by adult members and friends of the club.
Longest Drive or Nearest the Pin at each hole saw players receive prizes which ranged from umbrellas and gloves to golf balls and towels. Any player with a ‘2’ on their scorecard was rewarded with a sleeve of golf balls, and all received a goody-bag before going out to play.
The players were, once again, announced onto the tee by Tommy Holleran who has been a great supporter of the Junior Open competition and the club’s Junior Section as a whole for many years.
The course was presented in great condition with the greens in the best condition they have been all year. The weather, although overcast for much of the day, remained dry, with a strong wind. This combined with the fast running condition of the course meant scoring was not easy.
Liam was the overall winner of the 18-hole competition event by two points from the ever-improving Mikey Dorrian who had the consolation of winning the Handicap Section award.
Scott Newman of Kilmacolm Golf Club took the best scratch award of the day by 12 points confirming his status as one of the best Junior golfers in the area.
The Pre-Handicap Section involved playing a competition over five shortened holes. It was great to see some youngsters from other golf clubs — Gourock Golf Club and Port Glasgow Golf Club — playing in this event.
The standard of golf on show was excellent from all youngsters in this category, with the ages ranging from eight to 15. Kobi won the event by one shot from Nathan Love and Alex Taylor both of Whinhill Golf Club.
Results
18-Hole Overall Winner: L. Moodie (Whinhill G.C.) 42
18-Hole Scratch Section:
1st Place: S. Newman (Kilmacolm G.C.) 29
2nd Place: M. Currie (Gourock G.C.) 17
3rd Place: R. McKay (Gourock G.C.) 14 D. Church (Whinhill G.C.) 14
18-Hole Handicap Section:
1st Place: M. Dorrian (Whinhill G.C.) 40
2nd Place: D. Carpentier (Whinhill G.C.) 34 R. Peacock (Whinhill G.C.) 34
4th Place: C. Watters (Gourock G.C.) 32
Pre-Handicap:
1st Place: K. Phillips (Whinhill G.C.) 23
2nd Place: N. Love (Whinhill G.C.) 24 A. Taylor (Whinhill G.C.) 24
3rd Place: D. Black (Whinhill G.C.) 25 R. Docherty (Whinhill G.C.) 25 C. Gavin (Whinhill G.C.) 25
Whinhill Golf Club thanks all the clubs in the area who had juniors representing them for their support – Gourock G.C., Kilmacolm G.C., and Port Glasgow G.C. All visiting players were a credit to their clubs with their conduct both on and off the golf course and are a testament to all the tremendous work these clubs are doing with their junior sections.
Whinhill Golf Club is grateful to Gerry Grant and Grants Family Butchers of Johnstone for their generosity as the main sponsor.
The club also thanks:
— The greenkeepers, Sharon and the bar/catering staff, Derek Church, Carlie Love, Craig Love, Nathan Love and Aaron McCue for their help in the organisation and running of the competition.
— Pat Burke of Children Poverty Inverclyde for donating the Pre-Handicap Section Trophy which will be played for on an annual basis.
— PDC Copyprint (Greenock), G. F. Joinery, David Adams, Albert Bruce, Derek Church, Craig Docherty, Stephen Donald, John Ellis, Brian Gillan, Gary Havlin, Alan Hendry, Craig Keir, Kenny Lever, Jim Logue, Craig Love, Andy Mallon, Brian Mallon, Hugh Mallon, Sharon McCauley, Matt McCorkell, Peter McFadyen, Carol McLaughlin, Mitchell Ogilby, David Pearson, David Watson, Dougie Wilson and Willie Wilson for sponsoring holes at the competition.
