It was a lovely start to the day at Boat of Garten- but it was windy as hell, making the prospect of any of the back markers overtaking Keith's very healthy lead even slimmer. We had time to shop for our souvenir shirts and sweaters and still have ample opportunity to practice. Here's a random selection of photos of our group:
The general opinion was that anyone shooting 30 points would be doing well, but, in the end, 4 of our gathering managed it, with Archie the best on 34 points. Nearest the pins were won by me and Peter, with Gary getting the longest drive. The team event was closely fought with Les, Archie and I finally coming out best by one point with a total of 87.
But what about the overall event and the destination of the trophy on this, our 50th event? The leading 3, who, in accordance with tradition, went out last, didn't do anything much to improve their overall totals, with Keith the best with just 28 points, giving him a 2 round total of 68.
This gave those not too far behind a chance of making up the deficit, and the first (indirect) reports were that Gary had scored 33 points to give him a total of 68 as well, which would have been enough to win him the trophy on countback. Gary himself corrected this when he came in to the clubhouse and confirmed that he had only scored 32 points - three putting the last - unlucky again! This meant that Keith could at last heave a huge sigh of relief.
So, we have a new name on the trophy - the 17th person to have their name engraved on the jug. Until the recent St. Andrews outing, Keith had never won any tournaments, outings or away days - just the odd weekly Quaich - but here he was, just 10 days after his inaugural victory, with a Major trophy in his hands:
All that remained was for Keith to invite us all back for the traditional celebratory drink back at the Boat Inn, Aboyne. Most of us made it along for a quick pint:
A great couple of days - and the package at the Grant Arms was the best value we've had for years, so it looks like we're going to repeat the formula next May. Keith will be organising that event and will soon be asking for an indication of those interested in coming along on 8th/9th May, 2011. Ken Black made a brief debut this time, and Ian McRae attended his 3rd outing, but both Nigel Meany and Ian Sharp had to miss out on their second appearances and sent their apologies, but we hope they - and any others - will all be back next time around.
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