THE middle weekend of August saw West Linton Golf Club hold their Club Championship Finals which gave some of their finest players the opportunity to showcase their talents

A combination of Scottish summer weather and testing pin positions on superbly running greens meant that only true champions would emerge at the end of a wonderful weekend of golf.

And a true champion did emerge as former club champion, Scott Walker, who has dominated the club’s honours board for the last 30 years with 11 titles, defeated Craig Coyle in a tussle worthy of two players who had performed so well throughout the season.

After receiving the champion’s trophy from club captain Paul Drury, Scott paid tribute to the condition of the golf course.

He said: “I have played golf at West Linton for many years and these are the best I have seen our greens.

"They were firm, true and very fast.

"The green keeping staff must take credit for a course that was beautifully set up and in such fantastic condition.”

In the Women’s Championship Kirsten Blackwood consolidated her reputation as the club’s most consistent winner.

However, she had to work hard for her 17th title as Jane Flucker forced her to battle it out all the way to the 18th green. As Kirsten lifted the trophy she knew an heir apparent was lurking.

Kerr Middleton won the Men’s Plate Section on the 17th Green beating David Brown; Ann Southwood took the Ladies Bronze Section in defeating Daryl Fisher; Alan Taylor was crowned B Section champion with a victory over Callum Chalmers while James Dickson landed the C Section with his defeat of honorary member and club legend, Alex McRostie.

The junior championship finals saw some of the most exciting golf of the day with one of the referees saying he would have paid money to watch his final; such was the standard of ball striking.

In the Junior Championship Blair Callan outplayed Elliot Smart, in a match that swung both ways during the day and required an extra hole to decide the winner. Both players played superb approaches to the 37th with Blair’s putter carrying him over the line.

The under 15 Championship saw Jack Kinghorn defeat his good friend Ross Wolfenden in another exhibition of fine ball striking and course management.

Jack’s triumph allowed West Linton professional Ian Wright to add another accolade to illustrious career.

Having coached Sandy Lyle to his Masters triumph at Augusta, Ian can now add young Jack to his list of champion golfers.

Ian said: “It was a pleasure to watch Jack and Ross play such a fine match.

"They are a credit to the club and have the potential to have big futures in the game. I have taught Jack since he was seven years old and have always been impressed with his golf swing and application to learn.”

*West Linton Golf Club was also making the news South of the Border as their Professional, Gareth Wright, continued his fine form for 2017 when he and playing partner Graeme Brown (Montrose Golf Links Ltd) finished runners up in the PGA British Four Ball Championship played at Northamptonshire’s Whittlebury Golf and Country Club.

Gareth stated: “It is always pleasing to play well and the format suited Graeme and I as we both like to attack the course.

"Unfortunately we fell just short but are not too disappointed and are delighted to have shown Scottish PGA Golf to be in a very positive position.”