Pipe Dream Plumbing Mens Open 2023

Sunday the 11th of June saw the much-anticipated return of the Pipedream open at South Ronaldsay Golf Club, a fixture both members and visitors look forward too when the summer calendar is released. 

For the most part, the weather held dry with just a few isolated showers for the afternoon starters, but the breezy conditions lasted for the day.

Chris Burton was the only person to get a measure on the 6th for the closest to the pin in 1 and followed it up by draining his birdie putt.

Chris George almost hit a different postcode with his drive on the 17th to scoop the prize for the longest drive of the day.

In the Net section, it was the early groups who set the pace through the day – Chris Burton was holding first with a net 67 but that was short-lived when Ross Smith arrived at the clubhouse with a 67 also and pipping Chris into first place with the dreaded countback rearing its ugly head. Not the last time we would see this today. Ross held on to first spot for most of the day until Angus Thompson arrived in with a fantastic net 62 to scoop his maiden open title and ensure the trophy stayed on the right side of the barriers. Well played Angus!

In the Gross Section, the afternoon players got the better of the scoring, but it was another South Ronaldsay player that made up the top 3. Glenn Grange was third with a 79 keeping up his fine run of scores in the 70’s but it was 2 Stromness players who battled it out for bragging rights. Defending champion Dennis Harvey carded a fine 74 after a shaky start to his back 9 but steadied the ship and finished out with a birdie 3 on 18 after a fine tee shot. But it wasn’t quite enough to beat the dreaded countback as his Stromness compatriot Angus Sutherland arrived in the clubhouse with a 74 also to Pip Dennis for the title. Good shooting Angus!

Thanks as always goes to Andy at Pipedream Plumbing; you’ve been a great supporter of the club for many years, and we continue to appreciate it. Erik who presented the prizes. Derek, Derek and all who gave up time to get the course looking as good as it was – it’s been a long time since we had the course playing so well, so early in the season. Sheila for sorting the draw and keeping the scores in check, Mike who as always did a stellar job starting us. The ladies who looked after us men with the rolls, soup and home bakes and Angus for providing some of the best soup I’ve had.

Pictured are Chris Burton, Angus Sutherland, Eric Kemp representing Pipedream Plumbing, Angus Thompson, Ross Smith and Glenn Grange. Missing from photo is Dennis Harvey and Chris George.