(Report & photos courtesy of the Scottish Golf Union www.scottishgolf.org )
Renfrewshire were crowned ‘Kings’ of the Castle after sealing the Scottish Area Team Championship title on home soil today.
The GolfKings-sponsored matchplay event reached its climax at Ranfurly Castle, with Renfrewshire claiming a 5.5 – 3.5 success over Lanarkshire.
Kilmacolm’s Andrew Farmer sealed the winning point in the nation’s premier amateur team championship, contested over three days by the 16 Area Associations of the Scottish Golf Union.
Renfrewshire, led by playing captain Ronnie Clark and team manager David MacFarlane, achieved a fifth title and emulated their last success at Crail in 2009.
“It’s nice to win again, reach five stars if you like, and I think the home soil did help,” said Clark. “We have all played here before in team matches and other events.“Lanarkshire are a good side so it was important to build a lead in the morning. We have a strong team spirit and it’s pretty much the same side every year, with the odd youngster coming in. I’m delighted for all the guys.”
The hosts took the early advantage in the tight morning foursomes ties, with two matches going to the third extra hole.
Renfrewshire pair Matthew Clark and Gordon Stevenson held their nerve to win at the 21st against Craig Ross and Steven Rennie, but the Lanarkshire duo of Stewart Henderson and Ross Hinshelwood levelled matters after coming through at the same hole against Craig Watson and Michael Daily.
But it was 2-1 for Renfrewshire at lunch, as Ronnie Clark and Farmer eased to a 4-3 success against Jamie Lamb and Colin Baird.
Daily added to Renfrewshire’s lead, winning the first of the six singles ties against Rennie 5&4, only for Henderson to reply with a 4&3 victory against Stevenson.
But Ronnie Clark and Farmer saw Renfrewshire home with their triumphs, with Farmer claiming the vital point in his 2&1 win against Hinshelwood.
In the top match, Matthew Clark and Craig Ross played out a titanic contest with Ross finally prevailing with an eagle at the par-4 22nd thanks to a fine drive at the 270-yard hole. With the overall match over, Ross and Baird picked up their balls in the bottom game for a half point apiece.
In Saturday’s semi-finals, Renfrewshire beat Glasgow 3.5 – 1.5, while Lanarkshire saw off Perth & Kinross 3&2.
The Scottish Area Team Championship is sponsored by GolfKings, Scotland’s leading specialist golf travel operator.
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