BELL SALVER

Thanks to Auchterarder Golf Club for hosting our match against Crieff, the course, as always, was in great condition which is testament to their green staff. Thanks also to Perth and Kinross County Golf Union for organising and running the whole event. 

Our young and inexperienced team were up against a very strong Crieff side and Keegan led them out by splitting the first fairway with a terrific drive on the first. As did Keir, Struan and Olly. All off to great starts but as we all know it’s what follows that’s important. After 9 holes we had mixed results. Both Keegan and Keir were trailing but Struan and Olly were ahead. All our boys were getting shots, 2, 10, 16 and 15 respectively. Olly short game early on was very impressive and although he was being outdriven by miles he was unfazed and played his own game. Struan’s ball striking off the tee was putting pressure on his opponent especially on the 7th when he birdied the par four for a three nett two. Both Keegan and Keir reduced their deficits but unfortunately couldn’t keep their momentum going and lost their matches. Struan lost a couple of holes, one to a fantastic birdie, near hole in one, but he kept his cool and won on 16. Olly lost 16 to go back to 1 up. He halved 17 and secured his win on 18. Keegan was tasked with the playoff and his putt from off the edge of the green looked in all the way but hit the pin and lipped out. His opponent had a downhill putt to win, went for it, but missed and ran a bit past and failed with his next putt. Strathmore 1 had secured their well deserved place in the final. We have a squad of nine players with seven available for selection to the final team so Archie Loudon, Jessica Sievwright and Tom Stevenson who have already played will also be considered. Unfortunately Saoirse Sangerman and Noah Shepherd are unavailable for selection but I would like to thank all the players for making this possible. I know I have a difficult decision to make and I appreciate everyone’s contribution to getting Strathmore 1 into the final but obviously only four players can be selected. The squad have been magnificent and every player has played their part.