HUGH HUNTER'S CLACKMANNAN COUNTY NEWS

BOB STEWART AT HIS BEST IN SENIORS FINALS

With an outstanding performance over the par 72 Lansdowne course at Blairgowrie, Tulliallan’s Bob Stewart clinched the 2011 Seniors Order of Merit. Starting the round knowing he had to fend off his two nearest challengers (playing alongside him), Bob raced to the turn in 1 under par.

His nearest rival, Gordon Macdonald (Callander), dropped five shots in the first three holes and never pulled them back as Bob continued in steady fashion to return a 74, the best score of the day. 

A few years back, Bob had the title in his grasp, but missed a short putt. There was no mistake this time as he cruised to victory.  

With a maximum of 125 for his work, Bob took the Order of Merit title by over 100 points, bringing another National title to Tulliallan and Clackmannanshire. On a side note, Bob was one of only three golfers to play in ten events on the Senior circuit, and now must be quietly confident for the Senior Home Internationals coming up this week at Woodhall Spa.

Fellow Club player Phil Dempsey finished with an 81 at Lansdowne and finished in 23rd equal place in the Order of Merit  with  182  points.

FEET ON THE GOLFING LADDER

Now that the 2011 Scottish Golf Union Order of Merit is complete with James White (Lundin) being declared the winner, it is worth noting that two Clackmannan County players have managed a few points to establish themselves in the rankings.

At 62nd equal is Alva’s Lawrence Allan, and 75th equal is Clackmannan County team captain Jamie Aitken (Alloa).

Who knows? A bit more experience might take both of them to high levels in Scottish golf.