BELL SALVER FINAL

For the first time in history 2 teams from the same club competed in the Perth and Kinross County Golf Junior Bell Salver. Strathmore 1 was led out by Keegan Fergusson and Strathmore 2 by Stuart Duncan. Keegan got ahead early and Stuart found it hard to peg him back especially as Keegan has improved his length off the tee and was getting 5 shots. Keir Reid was next up against Archie Pattullo and this game proved to be very close with the lead changing. Struan Shepherd was getting 17 shots from Louis Purdie and making it tough but putting was going to be key in this game. Olly Stevenson was last out against Joseph Frullani and was giving 6 shots. Olly was behind early and with Joe out driving him consistently was finding it really tough and their match was the first to finish. 

Keegan squared the match by winning against Stuart. Keir was 3 down with 3 to play but fought back to secure a fantastic halved match. Struan had been 3 down but fought back to be all square on 12, which included a 50ft putt from off the green on 11. He found the water on 13 and also lost 14. Louis won 15 to go dormie but found the rough and an horrendous lie on 16. He got the ball back into play and his 3rd shot was just short of the putting surface, but with Struan on the green in 2 it looked as though the game would go on. Struan putted first and left it a bit short. As I said this game came down to putting and when Louis rolled his putt in from off the green, Struan had to hole his for the match to go on but unfortunately just missed and Strathmore 2 won the Trophy 2.5 v 1.5. 

All players should be so proud of their performances. Dawn and I certainly are. Their progress collectively is amazing. Not only those who played but all the 16 squad members who played in previous League matches. Without everyone’s contributions this wouldn’t have happened so although Strathmore 2 won the Trophy. Strathmore Juniors en masse were all winners today and I will never forget how much this meant to me personally. Seeing these youngsters progress and their games improve is what makes it all worthwhile. I would also like to thank Jessica Sievwright who came down to support her teammates and Past Junior Captains Cameron Redden and Conan Reid who also took time out to give their support. 

With three new membership enquiries yesterday and another one whilst I was walking round today we might need three teams for next year.