TEAM GULLANE "WATCH" AT US KIDS

All of Team Gullane thoroughly enjoyed the US Kids this year - basking in the sunshine and the reflected glory from such a great event. It was a fantastic experience to be part of this's years event - whether as player, caddy, helper or organiser.

Charlotte Munro,  aged 10, and playing in her second US Kids finished in a highly creditable 12th place in her age group playing on No. 3 scoring 259. She renewed and made new friends all girls dead keen on golf and tremendous players like herself. Samantha Fuller is a name to watch. Former Scotland rugby player, Peter Walton's daughter Lucy had a hole in one in compiling a 68 in Round 1 !!

Sarah Dunlop, aged 13, had an up and down three days but enjoyed the experince and will look to return next year with more experience under her belt. Her caddy David must also have enjoyed the crack , passing on his years of wisdom.

Brodie Good , our very own fantasy golfer resplendent in Poulteresque strides, did wll and pleased Daddy Caddy Alasdair with rounds of  82, 85 and 82 for 249 on Craigielaw to finish 19th out of 42 in a tough 11 year old school from all over the world - more than mid table respectability in my book - there is more to come from Brodie as he heads off to Pinehurst in August for the Worlds

Tom Simmonds  with full off-course support from GGS Consultancy had an up and down ( but mostly up ) week in the 14s - opening with a very competent 75, slipping to an 82 following bunker trouble on the 8th on No2  but then storming back with a 74 in the third round for a 231 total and 12th place - a great performance! But that is not the whole story - he was 5 ( yes 5 ! ) under par after nine holes in his third round before finishing two over on the day. One wonders whether the no caddy for Tom approach ( sorry GGS ) did the trick - there again Paul Lawrie managed an 8 putt with a caddy ?! A great performance nevertheless.

Scott Gillies was another to impress in the 14s. His game and confidence has come on leaps and bounds this year and he finished a tremendous 17th in his first big competition on 232 with three rounds in the 70s ( 78, 75 and 79 ) Don't forget No 2 is a tough course and ther are quality players in the field.He took tthe last two holes appart with a barrage of eagles and birdies.

Alexander Wilson playing in the 15-18 section and juggling with the Lothians Championship,  had high expectations. He did well scoring 74, 74 and 76 for  224 and 9th place without ever quite clicking into gear and uncharacteristically letting a few shots slip away too cheaply. More to come from Alex ( and it just has !!  )


Duncan McLean gave it his all this week, on home turf and up against some very good low handicap opposition from around the globe. India, England, USA , North Berwick, Czech Republic and South Africa. He opened with a very solid 76 which ( which could easily have been a few shots better ) and then fired a sensational three under 69 in round two, not putting a finger wrong other than missing a couple of late eagle / birdie opportunities before pitching to 6" on the last. In round three sitting in 4th place he came home with a fine 73 when the pressure was on, kept calm by Greg on the bag to fully justify 4th equal and qualify to represent Europe in the Van Horn Cup.

In the match on Friday, he and Cameron Massey from Chorlton-Cum-Hardy, Manchester  played u16 Oregon State champion and age group winner ( and new Gullane member ) Frank Olaf Garber from Oregon ( http://www.seattlepi.com/golf/375116_nwgolf15.html ) and big easy James Hart Du Preez from Pretoria ( already sponsored by a golf clothing Company SWAGG  ) . The Europe team were never in trouble with CAm in sensational form from the off going out in 32 and with two eagles to his name overall and with Duncan in a supporting role - winning 3 and 2 on the 16th on No.1 with Duncan firing a soaring  5 iron 180 yards to 15 feet to close it off. A great week's work from Duncan which has greatly pleased many in the village and Gullane GC. Please see article from the Courier