The Carrick 2 Day - 30th June/1st July
June's final chapter unfolded with a compelling two-day golfing event at the illustrious Carrick Golf Course, nestled by the serene Loch Lomond. This formidable 7082-yard par 71 course, a stage for prestigious tournaments like the Ladies Scottish Open, the PGA Cup, and the EuroPro Tour, provided not only a challenging battleground but also a breathtaking vista for the 184 golfers who gathered for this showdown.
Day one burst into action with a lightning start, as an impressive thirteen pairs surpassed the 40-point mark. Among the standout performances, Michael Dalrymple and JP Doyle seized the spotlight with an astounding 44 points, clinching a victory by a two-shot margin over competitors Paul Scott and John Gilmour, as well as James and Kevin Christie. Applause echoed for Stephanie Bristow and Alex Westmoreland, securing the longest drive honours, while the closest-to-the-pin prize witnessed Gregor Cannon's deft iron shot nestle just a couple of feet from the pin.
Day two, a saga of its own, saw the emergence of a newly formed duo, Andy Houghton and James Anderson, who synchronised their skills with finesse, amassing 42 points to seize the top spot. Though their individual rounds might not have been perfect, their combined efforts shone under pressure, outpacing contenders Anthony Ward and Gary Cheetham.
And as the final curtain descended, the overall victors emerged. James and Kevin Christie, buoyed by a steady second round of 38 points and a robust initial 42 points, claimed the throne with an aggregate of 80 points. Their victory hung by a thread, as a pivotal putt on the 36th hole secured their triumph by a slender one-point margin over Scott Ferrie and Alan Cairns, who valiantly secured second place on a countback, edging out two other pairs that matched their 79-point tally.
As the stage shifts to the upcoming adventure at Horsley Lodge Golf Club, just off Derby, anticipation swirls for another chapter of camaraderie and competition. With fairways waiting and putts rolling, the golfing journey marches on.