JIM McKIRDY made a flying start to the new season with a roller-coaster round in the April Medal at Kingarth.

The 12-handicapper's score included five birdies and three double bogies as he shot net 61 -- a massive seven strokes clear of his nearest challenger in first class. The player, who was a prolific winner last season, beat par at the 7th and 8th on the outward half then finished strongly with birdies at the 12th, 17th and 18th for his gross 73. The performance brought a handicap cut by one shot to 11.

Other leading scorers in first class were David Bryden (9) 68, Alistair McFarlane (12) and Graham Connor (11) both on 69.

Things were a bit closer in second class where John Girvan (20) led the way with 64, two shots ahead of runner-up John Kernaghan (13) 66 with Winter League winner John Stewart (26) next on 67. The competition scratch score was 64.

The going was tough for those who competed in the extra medal last Saturday as Kingarth was swept by strong winds and rain. Bobby Speirs was the one who got going and took top spot in first class with 68 playing off 12 while Gordon Pettigrew (7) was next on 72 with Jim McKirdy (11) third with 75. John Kernaghan (13) won second class with 70 while Gordon Little (15) and John Stewart (26) both finished one stroke further behind.

The difficult conditions were reflected in the competition scratch score of 67. Tomorrow (Saturday) Jim McKirdy begins the defence of the Sir Harry Hope Cup when the first round is played with the usual 8.30am ballot at the clubhouse