Tarland duo revel in breaking new ground for North East venue in top Belhaven event
Tarland Golf Club celebrated a first Belhaven Best Captains & Secretaries Championship title as Raymond Reid and Doug Booth combined to record a superb three-under par 67 in perfect conditions at Cruden Bay.
The North-East club edged out Ayrshire’s Rowallan Castle - represented by John Rushbury and Andrew McLeod - courtesy of a sensational better inward half of 28, aided by a pair of birdie twos at the 11th and 16th holes.
Club captain Reid lost his usual partner to off shore work commitments earlier in the week, but Booth, the club’s entertainments convenor, proved a more than adequate replacement as the duo stormed home in some style.
Highlight of the round was Booth’s 9-iron to three-and-a-half inches at the 11th hole, where he won nearest the pin and, not to be outdone, Reid followed up with the pair’s second two of the day with a birdie at the 16th. Rowallan Castle were left to rue a damaging bogey 6 at the long 13th hole which eventually cost their title chances.
“We didn’t expect to win but it’s great for small nine-hole club like ours to put our name on the map with victory in such a fantastic championship.
“This is my fourth final so it’s nice to finally get the win and I have to pay credit to Doug, who played superbly today and certainly had a hot putter out there,” said captain Reid.
“It’s the first time either of us had played Cruden Bay. The course was absolutely beautiful and in great condition. Our playing partners were great fun too, so it’s been a great day all round. Our club presentation night is this Saturday, so we might just have to find an extra slot to be presented with this trophy again!”
On a day where only seven of the 40 teams beat par on the famous Aberdeenshire links, it was Burntisland’s David McPherson and Scott Brownlie who took third spot thanks to a two-under 68, with Bearsden, Gannochy, St Andrews and East Kilbride Sports Club sharing fourth on 69.
It was the 10th staging of the Belhaven Best Captains & Secretaries Championship, with Scottish Golf celebrating 16 years of partnership with Belhaven.
“We’re delighted to support the Captains & Secretaries Championship for a 10th year and the event seems to grow in popularity. It’s wonderful to bring the final to Cruden Bay, one of Scotland’s best links courses and it proved to be the perfect setting in today’s weather,” said Paul Burns, from the Belhaven sales team, who presented the winners with their prize.
“Golf clubs are vital to the growth of the Belhaven Best brand and it’s nice to give something back to our club customers through sponsorship of this championship.
“We are proud to work with Scottish Golf through this event and the Club Handicap Championship.”
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