Lyon Inter-Club Double Foursomes: The 2021 Story

My next short catch-up story is about the Lyon Inter-Club Foursomes tournament that was hosted on Monday 02 and Tuesday 03 August by Hazlehead Golf Club on the McKenzie Championship course.

Thanks to Honorary Secretary Karen (Stalker) for posting and keeping results up to date as the competition took place.

The Hazlehead team was triumphant, winning the trophy for the third time in succession.

Winners Hazlehead, Runners-up Banchory, Captain Lorna and President Ros

The Golf

Players arrived in fine spirits, ready for their 18 hole matchplay foursomes games. It was a very reasonable golfing Monday morning when the teams assembled at Hazlehead. It felt very calm and quiet, overcast but dry. As we moved into Tuesday, it became breezier but the sun came out. No rain – so all was well.

Despite the trials that had confronted the greenkeepers after the severe winter, the course was in good order. Unfortunately, due to the effects of very thick ice, the 8^th and 16^th greens were still out of play. Nonetheless, the quality of the design of the course with its interesting and testing holes was not overshadowed.

As always, golf was enjoyed and competitiveness was evident. Lots of fun was had and giggling incidents were reported to me – great to hear. As a spectator, there was lots of excellent golf on display to appreciate and inspire.

Monday morning – Hazlehead team aiming to win …

Eight teams took part: Aberdeen Ladies 1 & 2, Aboyne, Ballater, Banchory, Deeside, Hazlehead, and Peterculter. After Monday’s opening matches, in the semi-finals on Tuesday morning, Banchory faced Ballater and Aberdeen Ladies 1 faced Hazlehead. Both Banchory v Ballater games were very close with Banchory emerging as 3-0 winners. Aberdeen Ladies 1 fought hard but went down 0-9 to Hazlehead.

In the first game of the final, Banchory’s Gail Christie & Patricia Halliwell played Hazlehead’s Claire Prouse & Rachel Mathieson. In the second game, Banchory’s Gillian Mackenzie & Kathleen Taylor were up against Hazlehead’s Morven Adam & Gail Melvin. The concluding score of Banchory 3 – Hazlehead 6 does not show how much tension and anticipation was in the air through the finishing holes. Nor can it show the great golf shots, including recovery shots, that were being played.

Congratulations to Hazlehead who won the trophy and retain it in their clubhouse for another year – very worthy winners! Commiserations to Banchory who didn’t make it easy for the victors.

Winners Hazlehead (left to right):
Claire Prouse, Rachel Mathieson, Morven Adam, Gail Melvin

Runners-up Banchory (left to right):
Gail Christie, Gillian Mackenzie, Patricia Halliwell, Kathleen Taylor

Thanks …

Many thanks must be put on record.

First of all, thanks to Sport Aberdeen. Thanks to:

• the organisation for granting us courtesy of the MacKenzie Championship Golf Course, a very substantial contribution
• Nigel Spencer, Golf and Outdoor Services Manager, for his vital support in agreeing access and tee times
• the green keeping team for their efforts in presenting the course so well, no mean feat when account is taken of this year’s harsh winter weather damage, particularly to the greens.

Next, thanks to Hazlehead Golf Club. Thanks to:

• Karen Pottiinger, Lady Captain, for her significant assistance with planning and arrangements to ensure smooth running of our event
• Karen Thow, County Rep, for her invaluable support and generous assistance throughout the two days
• Kath Emeleus and Carol Benzie for being our welcoming and efficient starters
• Glen and Andrea, for providing friendly hospitality and catering
• Nancy Adam, previous Lady Captain, for setting the ball rolling with Sport Aberdeen.

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

• Management Committee member Louise (Anderson) and Vice-captain Olive (Robb) for coordinating and making advance plans to guarantee that the day would run efficiently, and for their commitment during the event itself
• President Ros (Roy) for being there to support all the players and for presenting the prizes
• Honorary Secretary Karen (Stalker) for dealing with entries, the draw, scoring and results
• spectators and supporters who made time to come along and encourage the players
• last, but definitely not least, participating players and their team organisers, often the County Reps.

Final Comment …

The 2021 Lyon Foursomes went very well. However, I have to admit that there was a sense of disappointment when we had only eight entries for this for this very long standing annual fixture. There were notable missing teams from Cruden Bay and Murcar Links who reported that players simply were unavailable this year. Here’s hoping that this was a one-off situation.

We suspect that some clubs feel that there is little point in entering a team because it is a scratch competition only for low handicap players. Please be assured that this is not the case and that teams with players through our Division 1 handicap index range competed and did well. Next year, please enter – come along, experience and relish a different competition format.

If you took part this year and had a good time, please tell your friends from other clubs and persuade them to join in next year. Thank you.

Congratulations again to Hazlehead. A win on home territory is very special. Hazlehead’s loyal supporters undoubtedly agree.

Lorna

Lorna M Johnson
Captain, ALCGA