On Sunday 15 th April a large field of 19 competitors arrived at Prestwick St. Nicholas Golf Club to contest the first Society outing of 2017.
This year’s spring meeting was a particularly poignant one as we recently lost one of our most enthusiastic Society (and GHA Rugby Club) members, Martin Hilley, and we were playing at one of Martin’s clubs (he was also a member at Haggs Castle). Martin had also kindly donated funds for a trophy and it was this very trophy, aptly named “The Martin Hilley Trophy” that was the prize to the winner, and will be for future spring outings.
After the traditional warm-up of hot beverages and rolls, the five groups set off on their contest on a cloudy but bright start, with the offshore wind being something to contend with. After the odd heavy shower messed with some hairdos and all players had returned windblown but intact, the
group settled down to a fine two- course meal and refreshments while the results were collated.
Our grateful thanks go to the Prestwick St. Nicholas Club and its catering and bar staff for their kind ttention and hospitality.
At the prize giving, Alan Hill and Craig Hunter were presented with their prizes from last year by Graeme Thomson (last year’s Captain) and our secretary then invited this year’s Captain Zander McIlwham to present the inaugural Martin Hilley Trophy to Ken Mitchell (pictured).
Ken is no stranger to finishing high up the rankings in our competitions, having won our spring meet before in 2007 (oddly enough at the only other time to beat this year’s attendance, when 20 competitors took to Brunston Castle in Ayrshire) and also in 2012 at Cameron House….. Spring seems
to suit Ken as his best form in any of the summer or autumn outings is 3 rd …yes chaps there is hope for us yet. As is traditional at our outings, all competitors collect a prize so no one goes away empty handed.
Our Secretary Alan Thomson has adjusted the Society handicaps as a result of the scores and they are published below for our next outing on Sunday 8 th July at Muckhart G.C. Please note however they ONLY APPLY TO BRAIDHOLM GOLFING SOCIETY OUTINGS.
Finally if anyone has not yet put their name down for Cally Palace or the other outings and would like details, please contact Alan Thomson ([email protected])
The dates for the future events are:
Summer outing, Muckhart Golf Club, Sunday 8 th July
Summer weekend, Cally Palace, Fri 3 rd , Sat 4 th , Sun 5 th Aug
Autumn outing, Ratho Park G.C., Sun 2nd Sept (date change)
