Shetland Golf Club

Last Saturday at Dale saw the largest turnout in a single competition for a few years when 93 players took part in the Hay & Co Buildbase Open. This is always a popular event for players with Buildbase staff laying on a barbecue and beer tent with a considerable sum being raised for charity and a good night is usually held in the clubhouse afterwards.

Scoring conditions were tough for players with a strong south easterly wind punishing any bad shots. The rough is several feet high in places and there were several horror stories of players racking up double figures on certain holes. Steven Henry was one player who managed to avoid any such disasters and was one of the first players in the clubhouse setting a target of net 63. His round of 87, less 24, looked like it would be hard to beat given the blustery conditions. The only player who did come anywhere near to this target was James Ramsay whose round of 78, net 65, would give him second place. James has reduced his handicap several times this year and can count himself unlucky not to take first place this time. Third place in the handicap was Paul Foster, another player who has been playing well this year, with a score of 80, net 68.

First place in the scratch was taken by Stuart Fox with a timely return to form, his excellent score of 72 would be enough to take the Hay & Co Buildbase trophy. Ernie Smith was just one shot behind with a fine round of 73 but had to settle for second place, Shetland Open winner Tom Simpson continued his fine run with a score of 75 to take third place by virtue of a better back nine from Alan Harcus.

Ernie Smith also won a prize for longest drive on the thirteenth and Marc Henry was nearest the pin on the second hole.

Jim Moar from Hay & Co Buildbase presented the trophies to the winners and Graham McAllister conducted the raffle which raised a tremendous £1500 for charity, this will go towards MacMillan Cancer Support. There were some excellent prizes on offer in the raffle with Stevie Tulloch taking the star prize of a TV/DVD player.

Club captain Stuart Fox thanked Hay & Co Buildbase for their continued sponsorship over the years and thanked their staff for assisting with preparation for the event and for their involvement on the day which makes the day such a success. Jim Moar, on behalf of Buildbase, said that the company would like to thank everyone involved in another tremendous day and was impressed with the number playing and the amount of support given to the event.