RENFREWSHIRE ORDER OF MERIT WINNER

CRAIG WATSON DOES IT AGAIN

RENFREWSHIRE GOLF UNION

PRESS RELEASE

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When Renfrewshire’s top golfers lined up at Renfrew Golf Club for the final event of the season, the Herbie Pirie Trophy, there was still a mathematical possibility that former British Amateur Champion, Craig Watson from the East Renfrewshire club, could be overtaken in the race for the top of the Order of Merit.   

Craig led the table with 622.5pts with Renfrew’s Craig Pirie a long way back on 482.5.  However, with double points available at the event, Renfrewshire Golf Union President, Andrew Anderson, who does all the mathematical work, advised that Pirie, a relative youngster, still had an outside chance with 300 points on offer for the winner.

After the morning round, young Craig recorded a solid 74 with Watson three shots behind on 77.  Could Pirie hold on for a win which would mean that Watson would have to be, at least, in sixth place to tie for the top spot?  As it transpired, William MacMillan from Bonnyton intervened to halt Craig Pirie in his tracks.  While Pirie repeated his morning round for an aggregate of 148, MacMillan pushed him into second place adding a great round of 67 to his morning effort of 76 for a 143 total.

With 250 points in the bag for second, Craig Pirie had to wait to see if Watson could make it to the top ten which he needed to clinch the Blake Clark Trophy.  It came as no surprise when the experienced Watson handed in a second round 74 for a share of fourth spot and more than sufficient points to ensure that his name went on the trophy. 

Top scores were:

143 William MacMillan (Bonnyton) 76 67

148 Craig Pirie (Renfrew) 74 74 

150 Ronnie Clark (Erskine) 75 75

151 Craig Watson (East Renfrewshire) 77 74  (Best second round)

Pictures show Craig Watson with the Blake Clark Trophy