JIM BRUCE THE MAN
The Friends of Western outing to Callander on September 20th 2011 welcomed Steven McIntosh, FOW's most recent recruit.
Showing the same studied approach which characterised his hockey, Steven wasn't quite able to win on debut. That honour went to the Partick Thistle-supporting, Hilton Park member and quiz legend Jim Bruce. Jim played within his limitations (of which there are many) and crafted his way round the heavy course, which had suffered torrential rainfall in the preceding two days.
The weather, injury and unavailability played havoc with the entry field, but five hardy souls managed to pitch up and enjoy the usual congenial company and excellent Callander Golf Club catering. Steven finished runner-up, with Robin Gilmour in bronze position. Ian Watson and Angus Scott went home with nothing more than a Victor Meldrew expression. Thanks are due to Robin for his organisation and provision of prizes.
Watch this space for details of the 2012 Balmore Spring Meeting.
BAMPOT TRIUMPHS AT BALMORE
The spring meeting at Balmore attracted 15 entrants, although the quality was diluted by the late withdrawal of Tony Duncan, Jim Bruce and Andy Mackay due variously to volcanic ash, lumbar dysfunction and general lassitude. On the credit side Garry Stewart and Bobby Hunter were debutants.
In cold and damp conditions Lester Bampot, or Ian Anderson as he prefers to be known, proved to be the master golfer on the day, and played with a level of consistency others were unable to match. Clearly this was justification for a man who has, over the past few years, provided untold financial support to golf coaches in Stirlingshire. Ian finished on 37 Stableford points, three ahead of Angus Scott and Robin Gilmour. Conspiracy theorists were quick to point out that, once again, the prizes went to the organisers. Their suspicions were reinforced by the fact that Gilmour snaffled the 'Nearest the Pin' prize for his shot on the par 3 16th, but it is hard to know how anyone could fiddle that.
Local favourites Dougie Leishman and Dennis Starling failed to justify the bookie's confidence, but Ian Douglas showed signs that he might be a dark horse at Callander in the autumn.
Jimmy Cuthbertson unfortunately had to drop out at the 5th hole due to gastric discomfort, but happily he was spotted in the bar at Auchenhowie on Saturday in typical pose, and reported that he is feeling much better.
For the record, the participants were: Ian Watson, Alan Walker, Alistair Tait, Garry Stewart, Dennis Starling, Angus Scott, Iain Philp, Alan Murphy, Dougie Leishman, Ben Johnson, Bobby Hunter, Robin Gilmour, Ian Douglas, Jimmy Cuthbertson and Ian Anderson.
Details for autumn meeting: Callander Golf Club, Thursday 23rd September 2010.
WALKER TRIUMPHS AT CALLANDER
The Friends of Western golf outing at Callander on 24th September attracted the usual high-quality field. The Stableford format ensured a close contest, and victory went to Alan Walker.
The Kintyre solicitor, playing off 9 and a short backswing, was a model of consistency, and amassed 37 points. The embodiment of urbane geniality, he gave a gracious acceptance speech on receiving the first prize of a coveted Gilmour timepiece. The minor placings went to Angus Scott (36), Jim Bruce (35) and John Young (33). Jimmy Cuthbertson picked up the 'Nearest the Pin' silver salver, and Tony Duncan received the Industry Award for an effort v outcome imbalance.
Jim Bruce was in pole position until the 18th green. Putting like a man with his hand on an escalator handrail waiting for an electric shock, he missed twice from close range and with it his gold medal prospects. Still, being a Thistle supporter he will be used to anti-climactic experiences.
Thanks again to Robin Gilmour for his organisation. His sweepstake, the abstruse rules of which are still being deciphered, plus a contribution from a mystery sponsor, raised £100 to go to the Pitch Fund to purchase two squares.
Participants: Murdie Young, John Young, Alan Walker, Alistair Tait, Dennis Starling, Angus Scott, Alan Murray, Andy Mackay, Douglas Leishman, Robin Gilmour, Tony Duncan, Jimmy Cuthbertson, Jim Bruce and Ian Anderson.
See Pics in Photo Gallery
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The Autumn, 2008, Friends of Western golf outing at Callander was won jointly by Andy Mackay and Dougie Leishman.
Robin Gilmour triumphed at Balmore in April, 2009, with Alistair Tait and Ian Anderson in the minor places.