It’s been 2 years since the players have had competitive match play at this level in the County and it was great to see it return for all those who played well in the Qualifying event. A fresh start to the day but players turned up raring to go with many of them having a warm up and practice beforehand to prepare themselves and polish off their skills. And that they did!
It was dog eat dog out there today with some excellent driving off the tee and putts banging in the cup, all seen from afar. It was clear the players have been playing golf all through the lockdown and restricted lifestyle of late and the competitive edge in the players games was nail biting at times.
Top seed Jennifer Bryans (Harburn) had a tough match against local Kate Rorke (Kingsknowe) who never did much wrong. Hilary Laughland (Mortonhall) beat Midlothian’s Vice-Captain Isla McCrone (Turnhouse) and then played Kate in a tight match which Hilary held onto and won 1 up. Karen Ferguson-Snedden (Mortonhall) was stealing birdies at 17 and 18 to take Anne Hanson (Turnhouse) down the 19th, 20th and 21st! Anne sealed the deal with a birdie at the 21st. Emma Morrison (Gullane LGC) returns to competitive golf and it’s like she’s never been away with two close games winning 2/1 against Paula McDougall (Ravelston) and Anne Hanson.
Bottom half of the draw, junior and sister of Emma, Lucy Morrison (Craigmillar Park) meets the experienced Karen Marshall (Baberton) who never does much wrong and Karen won through to meet Caroline Steedman (Murrayfield) after narrowly beating Hannah Scott (Broomieknowe) in a tight fought game finishing on the 18th. Karen nailed 3 birdies on the trot to go 3 up but Caroline was at her heels and clawed them back to win on the 18th 1 up. Junior, Freya Constable (Prestonfield), meets defending Champion and County Captain Louise Fraser (Kingsknowe) who was also 3 up at one point but the fearless Junior hung in there, clawed back and also won 1 up at the 18th hole. Freya met Rachael Livingstone (Baberton) who beat local Fiona Jackson (Kingsknowe) and the fearless junior kept her cool to beat Rachael at the 17th hole.
The B Championship, 6 out of the 8 qualifiers followed with some great golf and exciting putting to see their opponents off. Susan Gardiner (Ravelston) set off with Sandra Stanton (Broomieknowe) with Sandra winning through. 2019 B runner up Fiona Findlay (Lochend) was defeated by steady golfing friend and Club rival Jaci Moriarty (Lochend). Elaine Lumsden (Kingsknowe) playing some great golf but was edged out by Caroline Mansley (Bruntsfield) who also kept her cool and won on the 18th hole. Jane MacDonald (Merchants) defending B Champion received a walk over due her opponents last minute work commitments.
The course has been set up well for the players and we all look forward to more of the same exciting golf tomorrow. If spectators are coming along you are welcome but we all know the script now. Masks, social distancing and ‘FACTS’. Please observe and respect at all times and if using the Clubhouse facilities, hand sanitise on entering and exiting the building which has a one way system in place. We look forward to seeing you at Kingsknowe Golf Club.
Players socially distancing on the 1st tee –
