WHO COULD PUTT WITH "BOATIES IN THE BAY" DISTRACTION?

By COLIN FARQUHARSON
Colin@scottishgolfview.com
Deeside Golf Club teaching professional Peter Smith is pictured above putting on the second green at Murcar Links yesterday in the final of the North-east Alliance pro-am foursomes with the North Sea oil supply vessels anchored behind him in the bay.
It's a scene that reminds me of the story relating to Andrew (Andra') Kirkcaldy putting in a match (which he lost) at the Old Course, St Andrews.
Kirkcaldy (1860-1934), the first honorary professional appointed by The RandA, was renowned for speaking his mind - so the new issue of The R and A Golfer's Handbook (a snip at £30) tells us - and he also had a temper.
Andra is reputed to have commented in exasperation after a three-putt or two "Fa (who) could putt with thon boaties sailing aboot (about) oot (out) there?" pointing out to St Andrews Bay.
Kirkcaldy lost a play-off for the Open hampionship of 1889 to Willie Park at Musselburgh. He was second in the championship three times, a further three times finishing a third and twice fourth.
Perhaps the fact that it's hard to be distracted by "boaties in the bay" at Prestwick and Musselburgh - regular venues for the Open in Andra's day - had something to do with his record.
PS Peter Smith holed the birdie putt!