RAFGS Scottish Tour 11-15 May 26

This year's 23 participants on our Annual Tour to Morayshire faced very different weather conditions to last year, when we played in short sleeves and shorts and were able to sit out on the balcony at Moray Golf Club until sunset. Although it was largely dry, with the occasional short, sharp shower or hailstorm (notably at Moray and Hopeman), the weather was decidedly chilly with a cold easterly wind for most of the week.

Nairn Dunbar were unable to offer us a date during the competition part of the week, as they were hosting a major Regional event, but we were able to play the warm-up round there on the Monday. Hopeman was slotted into the week for a competition day for the first time, with the usual courses at Moray, Elgin and Forres providing the other venues. Scoring was certainly affected by the windy conditions that prevailed for most of the week, but consistency was the key to success and the final day's start sheet at Forres, which was played as always in reverse order, featured Si Ackland (in his first Tour), Ollie Whyatt and Farrukh Bajwa - all several points ahead of the next group. In a close finish, Si emerged as the winner of the Scottish Cup, one point ahead of Ollie, with Ian Robinson taking the Veteran's Quaich, Farrukh winning the Guest Tankard for the second year, and a delighted Ray Bull the very popular and worthy choice as recipient of the Harry Griffiths trophy.

Socially, we were able to enjoy the various restaurants in Lossiemouth and the surrounding area, with Moray Golf Club again being happy to host us for the evening 'get together', as well as providing the venue for another successful end of Tour dinner and prize-giving.

Next year will see Nairn Dunbar back on the competition roster, with Hopeman providing the venue for warm-up round.

Full results: