West of Scotland Seniors Open at Cardross later this week

By GORDON THOMSON

The fourth event in the Scottish Seniors Golfing Society season takes place on Thursday and Friday with the West of Scotland Seniors Open (sponsored by McCrea Financial Services) at Cardross. Surprisingly, there is not a full field for the event and spaces are still available by contacting Ian Kerr at admin@scottishseniorsgolf.com.

Bob Stewart (Tulliallan), fresh from a great win in the East of Scotland Seniors at Downfield last week, defends his West title at Cardross and will be keen to repeat his triumph of last year. Bob struck a blow for the older brigade last week following wins in the first two events by members under the age of 55 and showed that he is still a major competitive force.

Paul Moultrie (Royal Troon) who is 50 and plays off plus three is the new leader of the Order of Merit and is in action this week but Keith Reilly (Silverknowes), who lies second and who is also 50, is unable to play. Ronnie Clark (Erskine), who won the North Seniors  at Elgin is back in action at Cardross.

The established group of leading players who are over the age of 55 including John Fraser (Royal Burgess), David Gardner (Broomieknowe) and Ian Brotherston (Dumfries & County) will be hoping to do well and gain form in advance of the  Scottish Seniors Open championship  being played next week at Deeside and for which the minimum age limit is 55.The holder of that title, Barry Brooks (Meldrum House) is also in action at Cardross.

Formed in November 2006, the Scottish Seniors Golfing Society is the brainchild of former amateur internationalist, Gordon MacDonald. It was formed to meet a significant demand for high level competition for senior amateur golfers still keen to test their games at a high level. All the events take place in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere on good courses.There are age group prizes and separate order of merit titles on a handicap basis and for members over the age of 65.

Membership of the Society is open to golfers over the age of 50 with handicaps of 9.4 or less. Further details can be obtained via the website –www.scottish seniorsgolf.com or by contacting Ian Kerr at admin@scottishseniorsgolf.com.