Inaugural North District boys' open match-play

PENNY, GODSMAN, DUNCAN
WIN FINALS AT FORRES

By ROBIN WILSON

Portlethen's Ryan Penny, Kyle Godsman (Hopeman) and Scott Duncan (Newtonmore) were the respective age and handicap winners when the inaugural North District boys’ open match-play championship ended at Forres Golf Club today.
Penny (15), pictured right, recent beaten finalist for the second year in a row in the Aberdeen & District junior club champions’ Spence Trophy match-play tournament, birdied the 18th against Jack Thow (Crieff) in the semi-final to book his place in Under-18 years’ section final in which Ryan beat local hope James Foley by 2 and 1.
Hopeman's Kyle Godsman, now aged 15, beat Alistair Begg (Muir of Ord) in the in the Under-15 years’ final. Begg was a 19th hole semi-final winner over Peter Ramsay (Elgin) in the morning but three-handicapper Godsman was the stronger player in the final.
Kyle was four up after nine holes and six ahead after 11 before winning by 5 and 4.
Scott Duncan (Newtonmore), only 13 years of age, won the 17th hole to go one ahead of local Aiden McLean before securing a half on the final green to win the handicap section.
The tournament, backed by the North District, was the brainchild of Forres Golf Club professional Sandy Aird who wanted to provide an opportunity for youngsters to gain more match-play experience. It is expected to become an open event, drawing entries from farther afield as more boys - and their parents - learn about the tournament.
Results:

UNDER-18 YEARS
SCRATCH
Semi-finals - R Penny (Portlethen) bt J Thow (Crieff) 1 hole, J Foley (Forres) bt A Baillie (Elgin) 4 and 3.
Final - Penny bt Foley 2 and 1.
UNDER-15 YEARS
SCRATCH
Semi-finals - A Begg (Muir of Ord) bt P Ramsay (Elgin) at 19th, K Godsman (Hopeman) bt J Treasurer (Castle Heather) 4 and 3.
Final - Godsman bt Begg 5 and 4.

HANDICAP
Semi finals - J Milne (Elgin) (12) bt N Skene (Garmouth & Kingston) 1 hole, S Duncan (Newtonmore) (19) bt A McLean (Forres) (19) at 19th.
Final - Duncan bt Milne 1 hole.