STUNNING GOLF IN ARGYLL & BUTE AREA STROKEPLAY
AT MARVELLOUS MACHRIHANISH DUNES
Robert MacIntyre (Glencruitten) yesterday won the Argyll & Bute Strokeplay Championship with a birdie 3 at the first extra hole (10th) after tying Craig Pirie (Millport) on a two round total of one under par 143.
The course, in magnificent condition for the event proved a stern test for the county’s top players. Pirie lead after the 1st round with a one over par 73 in a fresh breeze which saw the css rise to 76. MacIntyre carded a first round 76.
Drawn together the players drew the best from each other in the afternoon sunshine. The wind dropped and MacIntyre was on fire, surging to 5 under through 14 holes and one shot clear of Pirie on 1 under. Pirie drew level with a birdie at 17 and the players remained tied after 36. MacIntyre had shot an incredible 67 to Pirie’s 70 against a css of 74.
The great golf continued in the playoff with MacIntyre hitting his approach from 60 yards to within a foot of the hole. Pirie narrowly missed from 15 feet to extend the playoff and MacIntyre was the champion.
The Scottish Under 16’s cap now has a clean sweep of County titles after capturing the under 16’s and under 18’s last month. He has also added the youth’s trophy to yesterday’s triumph.
Robert in a gracious speech thanked his friend Craig for a great battle, the Area Executive for organising the event and Machrihanish Dunes for the use of their beautiful links.
Area President Les Pirie, clearly delighted that Argyll & Bute’s investment in junior golf was starting to bear fruit, congratulated Robert on his fantastic season and also thanked his Executive for the efficient running of the event. He also expressed a debt of gratitude to Head Green Keeper Keith Martin and his team for preparing the links to such a high standard  and also to Greg Sherwood of Southworth Developments for their continued support of golf in Argyll & Bute.
RESULTS
1st R MacIntyre (Glencruitten)  76 + 67 = 143 (After playoff)
2nd C Pirie           (Millport)          73 + 70 = 143
3rd B Willan        (Carradale)        76 + 73 = 149
3rd R Currie    (Machrihanish)    76 + 73 = 149
5th A McKie     (Glencruitten)      76 + 74 = 150
6th S Campbell (Machrihanish)   79 + 73 = 152
6th S Renfrew (Port Bannatyne) 76 + 76 = 152