RENFREWSHIRE GOLF UNION NEWS RELEASE

  

Craig Pirie and Stewart Watt after the Renfrewshire youths' match-play championship final.

CRAIG PIRIE WINS COUNTY MATCH

-PLAY TROPHY AT RENFREW

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The George Duncan Memorial Trophy is Renfrewshire Golf Union’s youth match-play tournament.

Having qualified in the stroke-play championship and fought their way through four previous rounds, the finalists were last year’s winner Stewart Watt (Old Course Ranfurly) and Craig Pirie of Renfrew Golf Club.  

 This was a repeat of last year’s final and Craig was determined to see a different result.

The quality of the match was determined early with hole two at host club Renfrew halved in birdies.  Craig then chipped in for another birdie at the long par 3 third and then moved into what appeared to be an unassailable lead with magnificent approach shots to 12ft on the par 5 ninth, to the same distance on the 10th, and to 8ft on the 11th.    

Craig was then four up and looking like the new champion. However, Stewart had other ideas and his wins at the 14th and 16th set the scene for an improbable comeback.  

When Craig missed the green with his approach at the next hole, followed by a nervy chip shot to 12 feet, it seemed that extra holes might be on the cards.  

It was not to be.  In another twist to the tale, Craig holed the long putt to close out the victory by the margin of 2 and 1. It was a great final with the quality of the golf matched by the sporting behaviour of both players.