Result. Stableford. PGA. Sat 4th April.
There was a distinctly sharp edge to the air at Dun Whinny this morning as the field assembled for a Stableford test over the PGA. It was one of those cold, crisp spring starts that can look deceptively inviting in the sunshine, right up until you realise you can’t feel your fingers on the 2nd tee. Thankfully, the worst of the weather held off until the golf was done, and all competitors were safely back indoors before Storm Dave came crashing through with heavy rain and strong winds.
On a morning when scoring required both patience and a decent level of feeling in the hands, Paul Kelly emerged as the man of the moment, taking top spot with a fine 36 points. In conditions that were pleasant enough to begin with but always threatened to turn awkward, Kelly’s winning return was built on steadiness, discipline, and that most valuable of golfing qualities: doing less daft stuff than everyone else. Congratulations to Paul on a well-earned victory.
Hot on his heels was Colin Campbell, just one point back on 35, no doubt wondering where one extra putt, bounce or moment of inspiration might have been found. There was then a cluster of strong efforts on 34 points, with Michael Page and Stuart Wallace both producing solid rounds to secure a share of third. Any day you shoot 34 around the PGA and don’t win, you know the scoring has been respectable.
A special mention must go to Professor Jonathan Fletcher, who continued his habit of appearing near the sharp end of leaderboards with 33 points, tied alongside Mark Nicolson. Fletcher is becoming one of those men who simply refuses to go away, and opponents in upcoming matchplay events will not be thrilled to see his name in the bracket.
Further down but still very much in the conversation were Scott Williamson, Billy Z McNeill, and Tariq Ali, all returning 32 points. Billy Z, in particular, continues to lurk with intent, and one suspects another headline performance is never far away.
Among the lower handicap men, Tony Moran with 30 points and Andy Lothian on 28 will feel they kept things respectable on a day when the PGA was not exactly handing out gifts. Meanwhile, Rob Simpson and Jonathan Dickson, both on 29, showed enough to suggest that better weather may yet bring better numbers.
Not everyone found the PGA especially welcoming. Bill Sexton, so often associated with eye-catching totals, had to settle for 26 points, while Ken Marshall and Mark Higham both signed for 25. This was very much a day for grinding rather than glamour.
Still, the main story belongs to Paul Kelly, whose 36-point winning score stood tallest on a morning that began in bright spring sunshine and ended with everyone running for cover ahead of Storm Dave. A timely round, a tidy score, and another worthy winner at Dun Whinny.
