Former professional Gavin Still believes his victory in the Kings Links North-east District Open at Duff House Royal Golf Club was his best of the season.
Rounds of 70, 66, 68 and 67 gave Gavin, 25, a four-round aggregate of one-under-par 271 to beat Matt Clark (Meldrum House) by three shots.
Offshore nitrogen operator Gavin, who plays off plus four, said: “I finished second on the North-east District Order of Merit, but I believe winning the 72-hole North-east Amateur Championship on my home course is my best personal accolade this year.
“It was also pleasing to retain my Duff House club championship title, and winning by seven shots – making it a very positive season.
“I want to have another strong successful season in 2023, so I will be putting in plenty of winter practice to maintain the standards I’ve set myself.”
Those standards were certainly high as Gavin recorded Evening Express Champion of Champions scratch wins over Greg Ingram (Inverurie), Doug Allan (Longside), Bryan Innes (Murcar Links) and Barrie Edmond (Bon Accord) across the season.
Gavin eventually lost out by two holes to eventual runner-up Callum Coutts at Alford in the semi-finals.
“I had a pretty good run in my first attempt in the Champion of Champions, so if I can better it next year that would be fantastic,” Gavin added.
Gavin became an assistant professional to James Calam working between Duff House and Turriff in 2016, but regained his amateur status four years later.
Nine-hole specialists Lumphanan end Deeside silverware drought with double success
Lumphanan defied the odds to land their first two pieces of Deeside League silverware after a 20-year wait this season.
The nine-hole Deeside club, which reopened in 2000 after falling on hard times and closing in the 1960s, has only about 30 playing members – but that did not stop their double success.
Lumphanan clinched the Ian McLaren Knockout Tournament for the first time, then added the Harry Shepherd Trophy just a week later.
After defeating Tarland at home and Peterculter away, Lumphanan clinched the McLaren trophy with a 4-1 win over Stonehaven in the final at Culter.
Lumphanan then hosted the season-ending Harry Shepherd Trophy and used local knowledge to card a winning team score of 205 Stableford points. Portlethen finished second on 171, with Stonehaven third on 167.
Club captain Callum Cromar said: “Our greenkeeper Derek Lithgow and our club volunteers worked hard to get the course back into top condition following a tough 2021, so it was a pleasure to host the Harry Shepherd trophy this year, especially having won the previous week.
“We rely on members volunteering to help prepare and operate the events and our open competitions. I’m very grateful to all involved for their efforts.”
Vice-captain Lewis Smith added: “The wins are great achievements for a small club like Lumphanan with only around 30 playing members.
“Our course is different to many on the league circuit with an emphasis on short game skills and positional play off the tee.
“We used this to our advantage in our home fixtures and a great team spirit saw us pick up more away wins this year than in previous years.”
Tarland won the Deeside League title for the first time since 2010 on 12 points, pipping Aboyne by a point.
Lumphanan and Stonehaven were tied for third on 10 points.
Winter work gets under way on Aberdeen’s public courses
Sport Aberdeen have started winter programmes at all four 18-hole municipal courses in the Granite City.
Improvements include tree management, bunker revetting, tee levelling, improvements to bins, signage, tee sleepers and distance markers, as well as green maintenance at both Hazlehead courses, the Kings Links and Nigg Bay.
Summer greens will again be in operation as much as possible, but will be dictated by ground temperatures, while fairway mats are compulsory.
Drainage work will be undertaken at the first, third, 15th and 18th holes on the MacKenzie course, while the path at the 15th hole on the Hazlehead Pines will be reinstated.
Bunker revetting will be done at the third and fourth holes at the Kings Links with the sand at other bunkers being replaced.
Tees at the eighth, ninth and 11th at Balnagask will be improved.
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