ROBERT MACINTYRE WINS ARGYLL AND BUTE STROKE PLAY TITLE

Robert MacIntyre (Glencruitten) yesterday won the Argyll and Bute men's amateur stroke-play championship at Machrihanish Dunes with a birdie 3 at the first extra hole (10^th) after tying Craig Pirie (Millport) on a two round total of one under par 143.

The course, in magnificent condition for the event. proved a stern test for the county’s top players. Pirie led after the 1^st round with a one over par 73 in a fresh breeze which saw the css rise to 76. MacIntyre carded a first round 76.

Drawn together the players drew the best from each other in the afternoon sunshine. The wind dropped and MacIntyre was on fire, surging to 5 under through 14 holes and one shot clear of Pirie on 1 under. Pirie drew level with a birdie at 17 and the players remained tied after 36. MacIntyre had shot an incredible 67 to Pirie’s 70 against a css of 74.

The great golf continued in the playoff with MacIntyre hitting his approach from 60 yards to within a foot of the hole. Pirie narrowly missed from 15 feet to extend the playoff and MacIntyre was the champion.

The Scottish Under 16’s cap now has a clean sweep of County titles after capturing the Under 16’s and Under 18’s last month. He has also added the Youth’s trophy to yesterday’s triumph.

 In a gracious speech, Robert thanked his friend Craig for a great battle, the Area Executive for organising the event and Machrihanish Dunes for the use of their beautiful links.

Area President Les Pirie, clearly delighted that Argyll & Bute’s investment in junior golf was starting to bear fruit, congratulated Robert on his fantastic season and also thanked his Executive for the efficient running of the event. He also expressed a debt of gratitude to Head Green Keeper Keith Martin and his team for preparing the links to such a high standard,  and also to Greg Sherwood of Southworth Developments for their continued support of golf in Argyll & Bute.

LEADING FINAL TOTALS

Par 144 (2x72)

143 R MacIntyre (Glencruitten)  76  67, C Pirie (Millport) 73 70 (MacIntyre won play-off at first extra hole).

149 B Willan (Carradale) 76 73, R Currie (Machrihanish)  76 73 

150 A McKie (Glencruitten) 76 74

152 S Campbell (Machrihanish) 79 73, S Renfrew (Port Bannatyne) 76 76


ends