Shetland Golf Club

Last Saturday at Dale saw a healthy turnout of sixty four golfers taking part in the 18 hole Streamline Open. Streamline have sponsored this open for the last three years and it has become one of the most eagerly anticipated competitions of the year. Two new trophies were donated by Streamline this year and there were also some generous gifts to all players and some excellent prizes up for grabs.

The course and, in particular, the greens were once again in superb condition inviting some good scoring. A stiff northerly wind punished any errant shots and made club choice difficult but there were still some excellent scores returned despite this.

Alan Harcus is currently the on-form player and he produced another excellent round of 73 to take the scratch trophy. Despite having a seven on his card at the thirteenth hole he also produced a tap-in eagle 3 on the par five eighteenth. Harcus’ play was otherwise very consistent and he came out on top by a margin of just one shot from Robbie Jamieson who returned a very steady round of 74.

Two shots back in third place was Ernie Smith with a score of 76 with Jordan Leask in fourth on the same score but with a poorer back nine.

The fight for the handicap trophy was just as close with a single shot again being the margin of victory. John Teale has also been having a good season and his score of 86, net 66 was enough to take first place. John Jamieson came in with a good round of 79, net 67, to take second place by virtue of a better back nine from David Kerr who scored 77 also for a net score of 67. In fourth place was Ian Pottinger with a score of net 68. Robbie Irvine was fifth on net 70 and Ian Scott was sixth on net 71.

Further prizes went to Ian Pottinger for nearest the line on the third, Stanley Sinclair for nearest the pin in two on the sixth, Robbie Jamieson for longest drive on the thirteenth and also nearest the pin on the seventeenth.

Captain Stuart Fox thanked the green staff for the exceptional condition of the course and welcomed Streamline’s Ian Adam, Sales Director and James Roberts, Regional Director who presented the winners with their prizes. Fox thanked Streamline for their continued sponsorship of the event and also congratulated Mick and James for their sterling work in manning the barbecue and beer tent all day, the players certainly appreciated their efforts.

Fox also thanked Streamline staff for their assistance and involvement in organising the day and hoped that they enjoy a continued and successful partnership with Shetland Golf Club. A total of £240 was also raised for charity which will be paid out to charities of Streamline’s choice. A very enjoyable evening was also held in the clubhouse after the presentation for those staying behind.

This open was also the third of eight qualifying events for next year’s Shetland Island Games team. The four players currently holding the qualifying spots are Jordan Leask, Alan Harcus, Ernie Smith and Stuart Anderson.

The previous Wednesday saw a different format from usual with the J Bruce Doubles Trophy being played where each player takes alternate shots, this was won by Michael Boxwell and David Kerr with a score of 72, net 64. The Alan Blance Memorial Trophy took place on Sunday with a fierce northerly wind making scoring conditions very tough. Despite this there were some very good scores returned with Marc Henry taking first place by virtue of a better back nine from Stuart Tomlinson after both players returned excellent stableford scores of 39 points. Ian Leiper was in third place with 37 points and Dougie Shearer fourth on 36.