GOUROCK Golf Club have played all their majors this year ensuring at all times that the necessary Covid-19 procedures and protocols were complied with.

The Gents’ Club Championship saw a full field of 52 players compete over 36 holes on the same day.

One of the highlights of the tournament was the performance of junior member John Jack who continues to impress both at a local and national level.

John returned rounds of 73 and 75 for a combined two over par total of 148 to take third place.

The runner-up and therefore the winner of the Melrose Trophy was Robert Clark on an overall total of 146.

Robert shot a one under par 72 in the morning and looked to be a strong contender as he went through the turn in the afternoon a further one stroke better than par.

Unfortunately two bogeys at the 11th and 15th holes on the back nine saw Robert drop back to a one over par score of 74 for an aggregate score of 146.

The champion again this year was Steven Higgins who showed he meant business with 15 pars and three birdies in the morning round for an impressive 70 followed up by a par 73 in the afternoon, a round which started with a birdie at the first and rather appropriately ended with a further birdie at the 18th hole.

Congratulations to Steven who has now recorded his seventh championship success since his maiden victory in 2008.

The Gents’ Senior Club Championship continues to grow in size and prestige with a strong field of 83 competitors competing over 36 holes, with the two rounds straddling a Saturday and Sunday.

The club are once again indebted to WH Kirkwood Limited for their continued sponsorship of this event.

Third place saw previous winner Graham Aitken score a strong level par in round one only to drop away slightly with a score of 82 on the Sunday giving a combined total of 155.

Jeff Tipling, who plays off a handicap of nine, played magnificently over the two days, scoring 78 on the Saturday and then went four better on the Sunday for a very impressive aggregate score of 152.

Jeff’s second round included birdie twos at both the fourth and 17th holes.

The winner of the event was Colin Erskine who was down from Banchory Golf Club for the weekend.

Renowned for his consistent and steady scoring, Colin recorded a 74 on the Saturday with the only blemish being a bogey five at the third hole.

Colin then consolidated his position on the Sunday with a four over par score of 77 giving a combined score of 151 and therefore just managing to fend off Jeff Tipling’s very strong finish by a single stroke.

Many congratulations to Colin who with this victory chalked up his seventh success in the Seniors’ Championship.

Steven Higgins, right, together with club captain Neil Beaton.

Also pictured is Colin Erskine with Ian Macnaughton from tournament sponsor WH Kirkwood Limited in the foreground.