Bute Golf Club

ROTHESAY'S stranglehold on Bute Golf Club's senior open tournament continued last Saturday as Robert MacDonald staged a last-minute smash and grab. The nine-handicapper, in the final group on the course, came in with a winning net 61 after it looked as though the Kingarth club could have its first winner since the competition began four years ago. Club champion Gordon Pettigrew -- out in the initial two-ball six hours earlier -- led the way all day until MacDonald gave Rothesay their fourth successive winner with a gutsy performance. He follows Duncan Scott, Neil Ritchie and Andrew Fulton in winning The Burnside Bowl for the Canada Hill club thanks mainly to an excellent level-par first nine which included a flying start with birdies at the first and second. He followed up with sub-par scores at the eighth and fourteenth and, despite dropping a shot at the sixteenth, held on to take the trophy plus a £60 voucher with his first open tournament success.

Pettigrew had the consolation of winning the scratch prize of a £40 voucher after his level par 68. The six-handicapper had seven threes in his round with a back nine of 33 spoiled only by a double bogey six at the thirteenth.

Bute captain Ian McDougall also did well for the host club when he led the way in the 61 years and over section with net 63 playing off 17. Walter McLean of Port Bannatyne (17) was runner-up one shot behind on 64 while clubmate Fred Phillips (23) was third with 66.

For the second successive year Tom Caldwell of Cochrane Castle won the 50-60 years age group with net 63 playing off nine. He also lifted the prize for the longest drive at the fourth hole. Bute’s Colin Gray (10) was second in the group on 64 thanks to a better inward half with Jim Bicker (18) of Port Bannatyne third on the same score. Gordon Pettigrew was nearest the pin at the sixth hole while Saunders Ross (Rothesay) was nearest the pin at the third with John Murray, also Rothesay, winning the prize for the longest drive at the seventh. The event again attracted a big field and Bute Golf Club are heavily indebted to their honorary captain, Jimmy Burnside, for his generous sponsorship and organisation of the tournament. All prizes are available from Jim Dougall at Rothesay Golf club pro shop.

GORDON LITTLE is now the man to catch in the challenge for the Sir Harry Hope Cup after the 16-handicapper posted a net 60 on Saturday. He finished two shots clear of David Cameron (5) whose 67 was the best gross score of the day. John Bunyan (21) and Jim McKirdy were both on 64. The final round of the event takes place on Saturday, August 11. The competition scratch score was 63.

The club’s competitive programme continues tomorrow (Saturday) with an extra medal. The usual ballot will be held at the clubhouse at 8.30am.

	RESULTS
	ROTHESAY'S stranglehold on Bute Golf Club's senior open tournament continued last Saturday as Robert MacDonald staged a last-minute smash and grab. The nine-handicapper, in the final group on the course, came in with a winning net 61 after it looked as though the Kingarth club could have its first winner since the competition began four years ago. Club champion Gordon Pettigrew -- out in the initial two-ball six hours earlier -- led the way all day until MacDonald gave Rothesay their fourth successive winner with a gutsy performance. He follows Duncan Scott, Neil Ritchie and Andrew Fulton in winning The Burnside Bowl for the Canada Hill club thanks mainly to an excellent level-par first nine which included a flying start with birdies at the first and second. He followed up with sub-par scores at the eighth and fourteenth and, despite dropping a shot at the sixteenth, held on to take the trophy plus a £60 voucher with his first open tournament success. Pettigrew had the consolation of winning the scratch prize of a £40 voucher after his level par 68. The six-handicapper had seven threes in his round with a back nine of 33 spoiled only by a double bogey six at the thirteenth. Bute captain Ian McDougall also did well for the host club when he led the way in the 61 years and over section with net 63 playing off 17. Walter McLean of Port Bannatyne (17) was runner-up one shot behind on 64 while clubmate Fred Phillips (23) was third with 66. For the second successive year Tom Caldwell of Cochrane Castle won the 50-60 years age group with net 63 playing off nine. He also lifted the prize for the longest drive at the fourth hole. Bute’s Colin Gray (10) was second in the group on 64 thanks to a better inward half with Jim Bicker (18) of Port Bannatyne third on the same score. Gordon Pettigrew was nearest the pin at the sixth hole while Saunders Ross (Rothesay) was nearest the pin at the third with John Murray, also Rothesay, winning the prize for the longest drive at the seventh. The event again attracted a big field and Bute Golf Club are heavily indebted to their honorary captain, Jimmy Burnside, for his generous sponsorship and organisation of the tournament. All prizes are available from Jim Dougall at Rothesay Golf club pro shop. GORDON LITTLE is now the man to catch in the challenge for the Sir Harry Hope Cup after the 16-handicapper posted a net 60 on Saturday. He finished two shots clear of David Cameron (5) whose 67 was the best gross score of the day. John Bunyan (21) and Jim McKirdy were both on 64. The final round of the event takes place on Saturday, August 11. The competition scratch score was 63. The club’s competitive programme continues tomorrow (Saturday) with an extra medal. The usual ballot will be held at the clubhouse at 8.30am.