Bute Golf Club

BUTE Golf Club former champion Steve MacDonald returned to the scene of his title triumph on Sunday where he again enjoyed success with an outstanding win in The Royal Bank of Scotland Kingarth Open. On a day when weather conditions changed dramatically as the competition progressed MacDonald made the most of a benign morning as he raced to the turn in four-under-par 30. An inward half of 36 gave the seven-handicapper gross 66 for a tally of net 59 to win the Middleton Cup -- plus an £80 voucher -- by two shots. By the 10th hole the Rothesay player, who won the Bute championship in 2002, was a remarkable seven under fours having scored five birdies with no loss to par. Victory was undoubtedly secured with his run of four successive birdies through the turn and, although he dropped three shots to par on the run in, it was enough to take the trophy.

There was also a fighting performance from clubmate Tommy Kilpatrick (14) who scored a superb back nine of one-over-par 35 for net 61 to finish runner-up. He had the consolation of leading the second class, two shots clear of Steve Howrie. Richie More (10) led the first class thanks to a better last six holes after he tied with Bute champion Gordon Pettigrew (6) on 64. Former winner Neil Ritchie (5) was third with 65.

A change of wind to the north brought rain and severe conditions for afternoon competitors but George Reynolds of Rothesay battled through the worst of it to win the scratch award of a £50 voucher provided by the local branch of the RBS. Reynolds finished on level par 68 after scoring 34 on each half.

Despite the later weather conditions all players found Kingarth in excellent shape after the difficulties of the winter thanks to the efforts of greenkeepers Joe McCabe and Jim Speirs Bute club captain Iain McDougall said: “We are again grateful to The Royal Bank of Scotland, particularly senior agriculture manager Neil Gillies and local branch manager Alison Muir, for their generous sponsorship. Thanks also go to our greens staff, to Jimmy Burnside for a long stint at the clubhouse, and to Rothesay professional Jim Dougal for all his help.” The competition scratch score was 66.

Full details of leading players (Rothesay unless otherwise state): Middleton Cup winner: S. MacDonald (7) 59. First class: R. More (10) 64 (better last six holes), G. Pettigrew (6) (Bute) 64, N. Ritchie (5) 65. Second class: T. Kilpatrick (14) 61, S. Howrie (18) 63, J. McAlister (14) 66. Scratch: G. Reynolds 68.

Special prizes: First class - nearest pin 6th hole and longest drive 4th hole: D. Cameron (Bute). Second class - nearest pin 3rd hole: S. Maher, longest drive 7th hole: P. Pritchard (Burnfield).

All prizes can be uplifted from Jim Dougal at Rothesay Golf Club.

A SPECIAL fundraiser organised by Bute Golf Club has boosted Calum's Cabin charity by £500. Winners were Stuart Robertson (fourball at Machrihanish GC), Frazer Robinson (£60 golf voucher), Cammy Middleton (£40 golf voucher), John Girvan (digital camera), Leonard Ferguson (meal for two at St Blane's Hotel), Mrs J. Haig (wine glasses), Dr Joyce Ritchie (whisky), Bobby Gordon (biscuits). Organiser Jimmy Burnside thanked all who had contributed to the success of the venture including sponsors David and Janis Haig of St Blane's Hotel, Willie McFie of Bute Tools and Robert Ewing of R. Ewing & Co.

JOHN KERNAGHAN produced the best score of the day in the June medal last Saturday when he led the second class with net 64 playing off 13. Leonard Ferguson (18) was second on 65 with Bobby Speirs (13) next on 66. Alastair McFarlane (11) was the best of first class with net 68. The competition scratch score was 63.

KINGARTH golfers return to domestic competition tomorrow when they compete in the annual captain's v. vice-captain's team event. All members are welcome to take part and should be at the clubhouse for 8.30am.

	RESULTS
	BUTE Golf Club former champion Steve MacDonald returned to the scene of his title triumph on Sunday where he again enjoyed success with an outstanding win in The Royal Bank of Scotland Kingarth Open. On a day when weather conditions changed dramatically as the competition progressed MacDonald made the most of a benign morning as he raced to the turn in four-under-par 30. An inward half of 36 gave the seven-handicapper gross 66 for a tally of net 59 to win the Middleton Cup -- plus an £80 voucher -- by two shots. By the 10th hole the Rothesay player, who won the Bute championship in 2002, was a remarkable seven under fours having scored five birdies with no loss to par. Victory was undoubtedly secured with his run of four successive birdies through the turn and, although he dropped three shots to par on the run in, it was enough to take the trophy. There was also a fighting performance from clubmate Tommy Kilpatrick (14) who scored a superb back nine of one-over-par 35 for net 61 to finish runner-up. He had the consolation of leading the second class, two shots clear of Steve Howrie. Richie More (10) led the first class thanks to a better last six holes after he tied with Bute champion Gordon Pettigrew (6) on 64. Former winner Neil Ritchie (5) was third with 65. A change of wind to the north brought rain and severe conditions for afternoon competitors but George Reynolds of Rothesay battled through the worst of it to win the scratch award of a £50 voucher provided by the local branch of the RBS. Reynolds finished on level par 68 after scoring 34 on each half. Despite the later weather conditions all players found Kingarth in excellent shape after the difficulties of the winter thanks to the efforts of greenkeepers Joe McCabe and Jim Speirs Bute club captain Iain McDougall said: “We are again grateful to The Royal Bank of Scotland, particularly senior agriculture manager Neil Gillies and local branch manager Alison Muir, for their generous sponsorship. Thanks also go to our greens staff, to Jimmy Burnside for a long stint at the clubhouse, and to Rothesay professional Jim Dougal for all his help.” The competition scratch score was 66. Full details of leading players (Rothesay unless otherwise state): Middleton Cup winner: S. MacDonald (7) 59. First class: R. More (10) 64 (better last six holes), G. Pettigrew (6) (Bute) 64, N. Ritchie (5) 65. Second class: T. Kilpatrick (14) 61, S. Howrie (18) 63, J. McAlister (14) 66. Scratch: G. Reynolds 68. Special prizes: First class - nearest pin 6th hole and longest drive 4th hole: D. Cameron (Bute). Second class - nearest pin 3rd hole: S. Maher, longest drive 7th hole: P. Pritchard (Burnfield). All prizes can be uplifted from Jim Dougal at Rothesay Golf Club. A SPECIAL fundraiser organised by Bute Golf Club has boosted Calum's Cabin charity by £500. Winners were Stuart Robertson (fourball at Machrihanish GC), Frazer Robinson (£60 golf voucher), Cammy Middleton (£40 golf voucher), John Girvan (digital camera), Leonard Ferguson (meal for two at St Blane's Hotel), Mrs J. Haig (wine glasses), Dr Joyce Ritchie (whisky), Bobby Gordon (biscuits). Organiser Jimmy Burnside thanked all who had contributed to the success of the venture including sponsors David and Janis Haig of St Blane's Hotel, Willie McFie of Bute Tools and Robert Ewing of R. Ewing & Co. JOHN KERNAGHAN produced the best score of the day in the June medal last Saturday when he led the second class with net 64 playing off 13. Leonard Ferguson (18) was second on 65 with Bobby Speirs (13) next on 66. Alastair McFarlane (11) was the best of first class with net 68. The competition scratch score was 63. KINGARTH golfers return to domestic competition tomorrow when they compete in the annual captain's v. vice-captain's team event. All members are welcome to take part and should be at the clubhouse for 8.30am.