There was a triumphant return to the scene of his 2023 victory for a Moray golfer when he retained his four day open scratch title.
Ryan Bain, who plays at Moray Golf Club, claimed both the Cullen and Strathlene crowns last year, retaining the former trophy this time around after vanquishing Murcar’s Steven Mair in the final. He also posted scratch scores of 61 both days winning best scratch 18 holes and best scratch 36 holes.
Richard Scott driving off on the 15th as Brain Scott Senior (left) and Brian Scott Junior watch on. Picture: Beth Taylor
While the Scratch trophy remained up the road, it was a clean sweep for the host club in the other main titles up for grabs.
In the Section 1 final, Willie Watt faced off against Brian Forbes (Buckpool) to ultimately claim the glory.
It was to prove a good open for home golfer Charlie McKay, who not only only saw off the challenge of Strathlene’s Gavin Stephen to take the Section 2 title but also won the Best Cullen Junior and Best 18 Holes trophies.
Meanwhile, in Section 3 the tussle for the title was between eventual champion Macaulay Flaws and Steven Murray (Buckpool).
The condition of the fairway and greens drew many positive comments, with the club voicing their thanks to greenkeepers Jim and Alan, and their young helpers for the summer Charlie, Caleb and Max.
Ian Shewan in action on the 15th. Picture: Beth Taylor
Thanks were also voiced to tournament sponsors Seivwright Bros, Scottish Links Golf Tours and Thistle Plumbing as well as Café Coull in Buckie for helping keep everyone fed during the contest.
Steven Mair teeing off on the 12th hole. Picture: Beth TaylorAll the winners at Cullen’s four-day open. Picture: Cullen Links Golf Club FacebookJamie Shewan in action. Picture: Beth TaylorThe views looking across Cullen Links Golf Club towards the viaduct during the annual open.Stephen Houston driving off at the 15th tee. Picture: Beth TaylorSteven Mair putting on the 11th hole as Ronnie Mair (left) and Michael Findlay watch. Picture: Beth TaylorJamie Shewan watches his shot at the 15th green.Chris Farquhar on the 14th.Jamie Lafford (left), Alistair Morgan and Iain Morgan stand by as Ian Shewan tees off from the 14th hole. Picture: Beth TaylorAlistair Morgan putts on 16.Alan McBain watches his tee shot at the 12th. Picture: Beth TaylorIain Morgan send his tee shot down the fairway at the 12th. Picture: Beth TaylorTeeing off at the 12th during Cullen’s four-day open is Jamie Lafford. Pictures: Beth TaylorAndy Cox keeps a keen eye on the ball at the 14th. Picture: Beth TaylorBrian Scott Senior drives off at the 15th as Brian Scott Junior (left) and Richard Scott watch. Picture: Beth TaylorEyeing up his shot on the 16th is Alistair Morgan. Picture: Beth TaylorThe Cullen 4 Day Open basks in summer sunshine. Picture: Beth TaylorGilbert Watt smacks a drive up the 15th fairway.Scott Davidson begins his assault on the 15th hole. Picture: Beth TaylorAlan McBain tees off at the 12th. Picture: Beth TaylorLee Marandola takes his tee shot at the 12th. Picture: Beth TaylorBrian Scott Senior putting on the 14th. Picture: Beth Taylor
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