THERE was a neck-and-neck finish in the race for the Kingarth Trophy last Saturday as three players finished on equal points in the annual stableford competition.

A superb back nine of 22 points edged Leonard Ferguson (18) ahead of Alistair McFarlane (13) and John Kernaghan (12) after all three finished with a 40 points total. Fergie's better inward half was two ahead of McFarlane and four clear of Kernaghan. It was a success that completed a hat-trick of trophy wins over the past three seasons for the 18-handicapper following two successive victories in the Barclay Cup. Gordon Little (15) and Duncan Speirs (6) shared fourth place with 36 points apiece.

Donald Standaloft begins the defence of his title tomorrow (Saturday) in the first qualifying round of the club championship. The second round takes place next Saturday with the leading eight players going forward to the match-play.

 

The next eight best net scorers will qualify for the knock-out stages of the Cuthbertson Cup in the "wee championship", won last year by Jim McKirdy. The usual ballot takes place at 8.30am at the clubhouse. Handicap secretary Graham Bolton reminds competitors to always check official handicaps on the clubhouse list before playing