West of Scotland Seniors' Open  at 

West Kilbride this week

By GORDON THOMSON 

The fifth 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 West Kilbride.

There is a full field for the event with a good mix of ages and handicaps and all are looking forward to a return to one of the most popular venues on the senior circuit.

After the Scottish Senior Open Championship at Killermont, Graham Bell (Downfield) has a narrow lead over Nick Robson (Meldrum House) in the Order of Merit race. Nick has performed well in all the events so far this season but was too young to play at Killermont and he will be keen to resume his challenge. Having come so close as runner-up at the Scottish Senior Open Championship at Killermont, Ronnie Clark (Erskine) will be keen to maintain his bid to defend the Order of Merit title having moved into third place.

Last year’s event at Cardross resulted in a tie between Keith Reilly (Silverknowes) and Lindsay Blair (Grangemouth) and both are in action this week along with former holders, Bob Stewart (Tulliallan) and David Gardner  (Broomieknowe).