By Michelle Herd

The first ever Crimestoppers Golf Challenge in the North of Scotland took place on the Championship Lairds Course Inchmarlo, Banchory on Thursday May 3rd and what a magnificent day it turned out to be.

The teams met for bacon rolls and coffee and were in high spirits as Hector Emslie from Golfers Scotland (event manager) read out the rules for the day and explained the variety of fun on course competitions. In addition to entering a team Izon Security also sponsored the 'Hole In One' prizes which were on offer at each par 3 this included a chance to win a fabulous read and black Mini Cooper for the charity.

The teams were briefed on buying a 'Mulligan' (all proceeds going directly to Crimestoppers) to increase their chances of winning and with a maximum purchase of two per player these were snapped up - especially as players were instructed that in the event of a tie the team purchasing the most Mulligans would be deemed to be the most charitable and declared the winner!

Before taking up their tee time in the Stableford competition the players all picked up a 'goody bag'. Along with the usual contents the players received a healthy bottle of 'Deeside Water' renown for its medicinal properties to keep them going until they reached the half-way house and a cold 'beer'. This 'beer' was certainly a welcome relief to many of the players as what had started out a dreary day and given way to a beautiful hot, sunny blue sky with not a cloud to be seen.

Back at the clubhouse the teams enjoyed a two course bar supper before the announcement they had all been waiting for and the prize table did look impressive thanks to the sponsorship received from First Bus.

Team winners

First place: Grampian Police with 90pts
Team; Brian Ritchie, Willie Beattie, Andy Baynes and Kenny Davidson.

Runners Up: A C Yule with 87 pts (BIH)
Team; Bryan Yule, John Crokett, Mike Neff and Brian Russell.

Third place: Dril-Quip (who are associate members) with 87 pts
Team; Jim Gariepy, Ian Michaux, John Sutherland and Sandy Cow.

Individual winners

First place: Brian Ritchie (Grampian Police) 41 pts.

Runner Up: Robert Hassin (Izon Security) 38 pts.

Third place: Brian Russell (A C Yule) 37 pts

Putting Competition Winner: Gary Craig (Grampian Police) 10 putts.

On Course Competitions

Nearest the Pin (8th): Kenneth Davidson (Grampian Police)

Straightest Drive (14th): Charles Miller (Izon Security)

Hit the Green (11th): John Clark (BMW)