Watt Duffus: The 2021 Story

A week and a half after the event, here is the short story of the 2021 Watt Duffus Competition that took place at Newburgh-on-Ythan Golf Club on Monday 17 May when Murcar Links 1 were the victors.

The Golf

Twenty teams from fifteen different clubs took part – a super turnout. It was a bright blustery morning, with the wind providing a significant challenge but the sun keeping it from being too cold. However, later in the day when the sun dipped, it was very cold and several ladies came in looking bluer than the sky.

The course was in very good order. The greens were fast, true and testing. For those who had time to take in the scenery, it was beautiful with the dunes, the beach, the sea, and the yellow whins in the vicinity.

Golf was enjoyed and played in suitably competitive spirit. Scores generally were high because of the weather conditions. Deserving winners emerged. Full results can be seen under Fixtures on this web page. Unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions, there was no official prize giving with photographs. However, when we receive winners’ photos, we will share them with you.

The Mrs Watt Duffus Trophy for Best Team Scratch Score was retained and taken home for the second year running by Murcar Links 1 (Jasmine Mackintosh, Rachel Polson, Sammy Fanthorpe, Donna Pocock), who finished far in the lead with a gross 233, appreciably outplaying all others. Congratulations, Team Murcar Links 1.

Deeside 1 (Susie MacLeod, Thelma Beattie, Anne Harper, Suzanne Middleton) won the Handicap Trophy for the Best Team Nett Score with a very well-achieved total of 224. Congratulations, Team Deeside 1.

ALCGA Captain Lorna (Johnson) grabbing an opportune moment to present the Team Handicap Trophy to Susie with Susanne (left) and Thelma (right) looking on.

Jasmine Mackintosh (Murcar Links 1) won the Mrs J P Kennaway Cup for the Best Individual Scratch Score with a most notable gross par 72. Congratulations, Jasmine.

Fenneke Wolters-Sinke (Aboyne) won the Individual Handicap Trophy for the Best Individaul Nett Score with an excellent nett par 72. Congratulations, Fenneke.

Thanks …

Many thanks must be put on record.

First of all, thanks to Newburgh-on-Ythan Golf Club. Thanks to:

• the Club Council for granting ALCGA courtesy of the course, a very generous contribution with 80 rounds of golf taking place
• Club Manager Paul Manson for his substantial support and help in making arrangements to ensure smooth running of our event and for his assistance on the day
• the green keeping team for their efforts in presenting the course in great condition
• The View restaurant team for their catering and hospitality.

Next, thanks to various ALCGA officials and members. Thanks to:

• Management Committee members Susie (MacLeod) and Louise (Anderson) for coordinating and making advance plans to guarantee that the day would run efficiently: thanks too for their commitment throughout the long day of the event.
• President Ros (Roy) for her dedication to the starter’s role and for welcoming all players to the chilly first tee
• Honorary Secretary Karen (Stalker) for dealing with entries, the draw, scoring and results, in particular for getting all competitors briefed and ready to use VMS – an impressively successful venture.

Final Comment …

It was exciting to have so many County ladies back in action at this always popular fixture. I think that the format of the competition with its team and individual elements makes it especially interesting and appealing. Above all, it’s just terrific to be back seeing everyone in person.
Next team opportunity is the Tri-am at Oldmeldrum Golf Club on Friday 09 July. Hope to see you there.

Lorna

Lorna M Johnson
Captain, ALCGA