FerEx Medal No.1 - SCCQ1 & Victory Shield Q1 - 02/05/2026

 

This Saturday saw the opening medal competition of the season and the beginning of the race to the FerEx finals in October. 

 

Thankfully the early morning rain didn't last and fairly serene wind conditions meant it was good opportunity to see some exceptional scoring across the categories.

 

Scratch

 

A welcome return to form saw Richie Elrick pick up the opening scratch medal with a fantastic round of 67(-4). Another example that a great round can form from a bad start, Richie rebounded from a 1st hole bogey to post 5 birdies in an otherwise flawless round and claim victory by 2 shots. In second place was Craig Coleman, out in the 1st group Craig set a challenging target posting 69(-2) which saw him birdie 3 of the first 4 before settling into a consistent stretch over the remaining holes and an excellent season opener. Rounding out the top 3 was Josh Beatt 69(-2). Teeing off in the final group Josh got himself to -4 through 11 holes and a share of the lead after deciding 2s at Par 3s were overrated with eagles at both 5 & 11. Unfortunately a couple of bogies coming in offset the earlier good work but a positive start nonetheless.

 

1st Class

 

Top honours in the 1st class went to Kevin Walsh following an excellent 73(+2) less 6 for a nett 67(-4). A steady start saw him +3 through 7 holes however a bogey free last 11 holes(10 pars, 1 birdie) with a back 9 34(-1) saw him post a target that proved unassailable. Completing the top 3 were the aforementioned Craig Coleman nett 67(-4) and Richie Elrick nett 69(-2)

 

2nd Class

 

A tight conclusion to proceedings in the 2nd class saw David McLelland pip Morris Hughes on the better last 6 holes after both had posted nett 67(-4). David got off to a ropey start with an arctic contribution at the 3rd however regrouped well and aside from a poor 12th played some very steady golf to claim victory. In similar fashion Morris will be cursing the 3rd and probably the 4th but again rebounded well with some excellent golf over the course of the round. Completing the placings was Andy Reid with nett 69(-2). In keeping with the theme Andy succumbed to the joys of the 3rd(perhaps we should play from the red tees???) but a superb back nine saw him sneak into the prizes. I'm not accustomed to listing out with the top 3 however felt John Higgins deserved a mention, tough day just missing out on the prizes and losing in the semis at the crucible.

 

3rd Class

 

What is it they say, keep the best for last. Congratulations to Daniel McKay on a career best round of 84(+13) for a nett 62(-9) and a crushing 7 shot victory in the 3rd class. Scary to think he comprised that score and also had 3 doubles and a quadruple bogey. Could have threatened the ever elusive '59'! Would also be remiss not to mention his '2' at the 7th worth an additional £44.50. A fantastic finish from Russell Guthrie saw him nett birdie 4 of the last 5 to snatch 2nd spot from Geo Calderhead who will be ruing the 15th as both posted nett 69(-2).

 

FerEx

 

All that means after the opening event our leaders are Daniel McKay(FerEx) and Richie Elrick(Scratch FerEx) who collect the 1st 200 points of the season.

 

As always thanks to everyone who played and in closing I'm going to offer one piece of advice. My old mate Bruce(GBNF) used to say 'points make prizes' and in the FerEx you need to be posting completed rounds to impact the leaderboard. In this game a 'DNF' won't cut it.

 

Congrats to all todays winners and the race to crown a new champion is in full swing.

 

Thanks

 

Michael