Ballater Golf Outing

From http://bvetsfootballgroup.blogspot.com/

The weather gods smiled on us yesterday at Ballater. It was pouring rain in Aberdeen in the morning, but, by the time we all arrived at Ballater for the annual golf outing, it was completely dry and the sun was working its magic, which encouraged a number of us to don shorts.

It was our 23rd outing, starting with a trip to Spey Bay in 1991. In that time, we have played at 14 different courses and this was our second time at Ballater.

Last year's champion, Ian McRae was in the first group:

Andy Gore, Ian McRae & Ian Sharp

As defending champion, Ian teed off first:

Eventually, the rest of the rabble turned up and were lined up for a "rest of team" photo:

Stan Thomson, Gary Grant, John McDonald, Dan Corbett, Jack Simpson, Ken Black, Jeb Tyrie, Gerry Mullins, Graeme Eglentine, Chris Dickinson & Ian Stewart

Winner on the day, for the second consecutive year and the third time in the last 4 years, was Ian McRae with 38 points, and I presented him with the shield:

Ian should have been presented with the traditional "green" jacket, but he had forgotten to bring it!

Other prizes were awarded for Nearest the Pins (Dan & Gerry) and the Longest Drive (me). Second and third places went to Dan (35 points) and Gary (34), and Jeb retained the famous Filofax traditionally awarded for last place:

Graeme and Ian share Jeb's joy

Here's the full list of scores:

McRae, Ian	38
Corbett, Daniel	35
Grant, Gary	34
McDonald, John	32
Gore, Andrew	30
Eglintine, Graeme	29
Sharp, Ian	28
Mullins, Gerry	27
Simpson, Jack	27
Thomson, Stan	27
Stewart, Ian	26
Black, Ken	23
Dickinson, Chris	23
Tyrie, Jeb	22

Back in Banchory later in the evening, Ian brought the "green" jacket along for the photo record:

Graeme Eglintine, Ian Sharp, Ian McRae, Jeb Tyrie & Ian Stewart

Ian's 3rd win takes him up to equal 3rd place in the all-time winners list. There are 11 separate names on the trophy:

5	Ian Stewart
4	John McDonald
3	Gary Grant
3	Ian McRae
2	Dave Williamson
1	Brian Fitzpatrick
1	Ian Sharp
1	John McWhinnie
1	Rob Dunnachie
1	Andy Gore
1	Geordie Ziegler

There was some discussion about potential venues for next year. A few courses were mentioned that we haven't played at yet, and Auchenblae seemed to find some favour, but we have all winter to debate this, and Ian will make the final call on this in due course.

Fun day out and nice to see a healthy turnout of 14, including a couple of new faces - Graeme Eglentine and Stan Thomson (Gerry Mullins' father-in-law), plus a special visit from the legend that is Andy Gore. It would be nice to get a few more next year from the Friday and Wednesday night regulars - golfing talent not required - it's all very relaxed and good fun.