Following endless failed attempts to win the Stonehaven Golf Club championship, Michael Wood this week secured the consolation prize of its poor relation; The Duffer’s Cup. His featureless closing round of nett 70, in protection of the eight shot lead he took into it, saw half swings and lagged putts galore as he limped home with a birdie free performance. The runner-up was Neil Irvine, narrowly pipping his son Craig for second place.
But being straight faced for the briefest of moments, hats off indeed to Michael. The Handicap Trophy ordinarily favours the higher handicappers so to triumph with a handicap as low as 3 was a fine achievement. His victory can be lauded for a couple of key reasons; the gallop into a significant 54 hole lead with fine rounds of 65,62,64 and, even more impressively, the courage demonstrated over the final 9 holes after his lead had been eroded to just three strokes. The wind picked up for a sustained period and could easily have derailed the victor but after an uncomfortable run of holes, he more than steadied the ship. Congratulations Michael, a worthy winner and rightfully installed as a solid contender for the forthcoming club championship (alongside my good self).
Final scores after 72 holes
- Michael Wood 261
- Neil Irvine 268
- Craig Irvine 271
- Brian Davie 271
- Liam Smith 272
- Brian Hardstaff 273
- Gordon Ironside 274
- David Cruikshank 276
- Scott Cameron 276
- Gary Taylor 277
- Jim Hepburn 279
- Gary Daun 281
- John Starrs 281
- Duncan McRae 287