THE final stages of the 2009 Duncan Trophy — Renfrewshire golf union's youth match play championship — were contested over Renfrew golf course.
Despite weather warnings and occasional distant thunder, the matches, and spectators were luckier than those at the US Open in Bethpage this week.
In the first of the morning semi-finals, home course member Jordan Grant was under severe pressure f
rom Scott McGrenaghan of Cochrane Castle and the match went all the way to the 20th hole before Jordan booked his final place.
The second semi-final also saw a home player, long hitting Michael Campbell — last year's champion, in action. His opponent was Greenock golf club's Johnny Caldwell who caught the home club-house by surprise, coasting to a comfortable victory with three holes to spare.
The final's opening six holes were split, but a ball out of bounds on the seventh then again in the ninth put Caldwell behind.
Home player Grant remained two up until the thirteenth where his lead was cut and he blew a great chance to take command, passing up an eagle putt, then another for birdie before collecting a par on hole 15.
His Greenock opponent came storming back into contention and edged the trophy his way on the final hole.
Elsewhere, John Curley of Bonnyton was the winner of this year's RGU 13plus handicap competition.
The event, at Fereneze golf club in Barrhead, saw member James McNeill storm into the lead, playing off 13, he reached the turn in a net score of 31.
However, he couldn't sustain his form and had to settle for a final net score of 64. John Curley recovered from a shaky outward nine to record a back nine of 36 for a total of 81 less 17 — also a net 64. The better inward earned the trophy for the Eaglesham clubhouse.
