30th August

Woolerites are predicted to be a dominant force in world affairs in the future, beginning with philosopher George Carr and Brian Tait, who has a special week of the year named after his surname (Taity Week), romping home with a net 64 in the Park Premier Trophy. In the August Extra Medal, Daren Bruce was very Daring with a net 66 in a competition where John Hewson (tile sales through the roof just now) secured the scratch with a score of 78. In the Order of Merit, not quite up there with the Order of the Garter started at Wark Castle, but still a ‘healthy’ gong to win, Andrew Rutherford is rocketing ahead much to the annoyance of his Wednesday morning cronies, Milky Bar United.

15th August

The Hirsel Golf Club is so kind to its members, it had an extra August medal. Expectations were high among contestants until the enticing curves of fairways three, five and seven put paid to many hopes. The medal winner was the garishly-dressed Peter Moffat, a fashion outlook no doubt developed in the shopping malls of Wark on Tweed. Pete notched a net 65 and taking the A class title from Andy Kerr (ex Minister of Finance) (net 66) and Bob Barclay (net 68). In the dizziness of the B class, Jimmy Croll was on a roll with a net 66, while Rugby novelist David Ferguson had a net8 bin and R. Patterson (full of patter) had a net 68. Andy Milne took the scratch with a gross 73, which was hardly scratching around. In Sunday’s Robin Lees Mixed Greensomes Open, played in beautiful weather but also on the golf course, D. Aitcheson and A. Perryman of Eyemouth broke the world record with a 58 net. The first Hirsel success to feature in the prize list was aspiring club champion, Robbie Culbertson, and K. Brydon of Wooler, in second place with a net 63.6.

26th July

Stuart Galbraith will have to get used to the riches, entranced women and fame through lifting the prestigious Douglas-Home Trophy on Saturday evening after carding an impeccable net 64. Runner-up with a net 68 (bin) was Allan Potts, the Club's A Champion and clearly chasing more Pots!. Other Hirsel players in the dizzy department of the higher echelons included Mormon Andrew Rutherford in 5th place with a net 68, cider-making Calum Miller in 6th place with a net 69 bin, TV personality Willie Davis in 8th place with a 69 bin and newspaper columnist Billy Rutherford in 9th place with a net 70 (bin). In the scratch part of the competition, 'the best player in the Greenlaw golf society', Ian Mailer, was 2nd with a gross 75 bin while 'the best player in Lennel Mount', Ian Bryce, carded a gross 75 and secured 3rd place. In last Wednesday's Flag Competition, when most players are flagging after the 11th green never mind the 18th, plucky Steven Younger won with a net 64, having forfeited drinking time and visiting the 19th and 20th holes. Andrew Milne, with such a wealth of talent spread right through the family, was second with a net 66 and then Andrew Rutherford with a net 67 was third.

19th July

There's no hiding talent these days as welshman Tony Davies won the midweek medal with a net 71. In the Bank of Scotland Texas Scramble, where there was keen interest, the winning team consisted of Joe Adair, fresh from plugging the oil leak in the caribbean, Bob Bolton replete with his iPod, Maureen Brennan, and poet George Carr, lifting the trophy with a good score of 54.6. In the Ron Turnbull Trophy, Alexander Borthwick won with 41 stableford points.

6th July

The abiding memory of Murray Ledgerwood lives on as a good field contested his trophy last Saturday. The winner with a net 66 was N.Toulouse whose shots are never 'too loose' and he does not like 'to lose'. In second place was NASA-sponsored 'Rocket' Rutherford with a net 67 followed by the ageless and speedy David Lindsay with a net 68. Last Wedneday saw the gents compete for the John Sloan Bogey and while the wheels fell off for many, captain Richard Wylie, politeness-personified on the golf course, recorded 4 up. In second place was ex-banker Bob Barclay with 3 up followed by the Mars Bar eating Alfie Borthwick with 2 up.

21st June

The coolest quartet for some time, all modelling the latest fashion in Y Fronts, won the Scott Charters Q-AM on Saturday with a good score of 118 net. Captain courageous, the lofty Callum Miller, JB Jerdan, B Champion Dunkin’ Law and least but not last Scotty Hopewell devastated the rest of the field, winning by quite a margarine. In last week’s Aberdeen Trophy, played at the Hirsel and not in Aberdeen, Parrot Medic Davie Guthrie, the real macaw, took the plaudits and Donned the winner’s medal with 39 stableford points, just edging out Dick Would and young Drew Mole.

14th June

The Hirsel resembled Rome last saturday as ten gladiators tussled for the five club championships. Streets paved of gold, freedom of the Burgh and fame beyond all their wildest dreams awaited the contestants in deciding who were to be the gladiators or the Gladys's. In the Gents 'A' championship, young Alan Potts, whose parents must still be eligible for Child Tax Credit, woke up last sunday and felt 'champion', defeating a brave and sporting Brian Yule on the 36th green. In one of the best finals in years, 'Pottsy' just prevented Brian from turning the day into yuletide. In the Ladies championship Philippa Costella, as good a lady golfer as you will see, defeated the smiling and suntanned Hurricane Hume (Karen) while in the Gents 'B' final, 'Dub'-born Duncan Law ate a smaller lunch than the burger and chips Jim Brown and beat the latter in a tightish tussle enjoyed by those watching. In the gents 'C' final young Mark Kerr, oblivious to the many quips of the legendary Frank Mount, who was Lloyd George's best friend, withstood a mid-afternoon recovery as the latter mounted a challenge. In the Youth's B Final Ryan Carr beat Kevin Wilson.

24th May

Johny Hewson's golf just now is the greatest thing since the advent of the toasted sandwich maker. He must be neglecting his DIY business these days as his name appears in the Hirsel headlines most weeks. Having secured the Jackson Cup on Friday night with 205 shots of unadulterated genius, just edging out jurisprudence authority, Duncan Law on 209 shots, the likeable left-hander was runner-up in the 72 Hole First Round with a net 68 (bin), just being beaten by Steve Wright, who likes playing in the afternoon and who notched a net 66. Then on Sunday, Johny secured the scratch prize in the 'Presenting Coldstream' Trophy with a gross 76. In the net scores, the finely tuned Vince Bissett negotiated the heat, tseste flies and anacondas at the 5th with a net 62, a score that would delight any fisherman, followed by John Evans with a nifty net 64 and Calum 'Dusty' Miller with a nearly nifty net 68. Apologies are sent by Royal Assent to Tony Davies for missing him as the winner last week in the Maxwell Motors Trophy.

17th May

Now that the mountain ash has settled over dust-laden Gordon, young Willie Davis, from the subs bench the Borders most decorated football player ever, rose to the challenge last Saturday to lift the Maxwell Ford Trophy with a brilliant net 69. It was coffees all-round on Saturday night. In second place Rocket Rutherford, who was never likre getting a football trophy, notched a net 69 while Derek Purves notched a net 70. Colon Virtue, on a diet of spinach, won the scratch (and Olive Oil) with a gross 76. In Sunday's Commercial Inn Greensomes, Trevor Swan was not Mute, in fact he was a Hooper, and did not duck the plaudits along with Dougie Knox, winning in style with a net 63.2. In second place was Martin Rutherford and his uncle Billy with a net 68 followed in third spot by Vince and James Bisset who are entering modelling contracts this week.

10th May

Coldstream's White Swan might have drooned a few years ago but its memory lives on through the annual Texas Scramble. Ian Jerdan sparklingly led his troops to utter greatness last Saturday's with some orbit hitting drives ('Houston, we have lift off''). Aided by that determined little blighter Elspeth Bell, drum thumping Alex Thomson and Moragh's kitchen laddie, Dickie Wylie, they notched a net 58. Greatness does not always bring trophies and Ian Bryce, Gerald Tait (' I may move back to Wooler'), Lesley Jamieson and Joe Adair notched 58.7. In third place cute Mary Baird, Stuart Retallick, Rusks Rutherford and Freddie Moralee ran up a good score of 59.2. In last week's Match Secretary's Rosebowl, John Hewson, won with a net 67..

26th April

Paul Smith may need soon to make himself a cabinet to keep his trophies in as he won the 1st round of the Jackson and Williamson with a net 64. In second place was 'Fatboy' John Hewson with a net 67 while Daren Bruce (of the Darien Expedition) was third with a net 68. In the Diamond Jubilee Trophy John Thompson (from the Beverley Hills climes of upmarket Morpeth) won with 42 stableford points, followed by the ageless Jim Brown with 39 points and Handy Andy Milne (38 points bin)

19th April

The 'John Nelson' last Saturday turned out to be an admiral competition and the sartorial Vince Bissett, Wooler's answer to Johnny Depp, was once more invincible winning the trophy with a net 70 (bin). Vince's acceptance speech was one of the longest in history, beating Obama's by a nanosecond. In second place was June Allan, the Belford exile, with a net 70 while Ian Bryce (who is very precise!) was third with a net 71. Andrew Milne (whose golf is thrillin') won the scratch prize with a gross 77. On Sunday, the Hirsel Gents played Selkirk in the 'Daily Mail' competition and triumphed 4 to 1, progressing to the next round.

12 April

BFB Yule won convincingly the April medal last saturday with a net 66 taking the A class competition. Alan Smillie laughed all the way home after being second in the A with a 68 (bin) while 'fatboy' Johnny Hewson was third with a 68 net. In the B class, Thomas Mount was lucky to scratch a dozey 69 net, while Vincent Van Gogh Bisset was second with 71. The unlucky Gerald Tait, with clean clubs, should have won the B with a net 72. Wayne Ford won the scratch with a gross 71. In Sunday's Famous Grouse Foursomes the cuddly duo of Johnny Hewson and Perter Moffat came good with a net 70.

29 November

13 JULY

Smiling, points-compiling Tony Davies, the man with the film-star name, carded 42 stableford points on Saturday to lift the Ron Turnbull Trophy. Ladies Champion, Alison melvin, nearly cost the club a new plaque as she came within a whisker of breaking the 'Ladies' course record, compiling 41 points in the process and securing second spot. In third place, the nightmarish Frank Mount, normally an arboreal golfer, and needing a calculator to count up his handicap struggled to make a measly 40 points, just beating Bob Barclay on the back nine. Bob was last seen on the Hirsel Drive cursing his luck.

6 JULY 2009

'Ten guitars' song writer, Bobby Hanlon, won the prestigious Murray Ledgerwood Trophy last Saturday with a net 66 (bin). Urged on by fellow 'Hibee', Will Murray, and not put off by Harry Brydon's stories about golfing greatness to come, the High Street Adonis sunk putt after putt in a glorious round. At the presentation, Bobby spoke eloquently about the memory of Murray and was presented with the trophy by Jean. in second spot was Peter 'Tiger' Moffat with a net 66 and lurking one shot behind were Duncan Law and Alfie Borthwick. Magnificent Micky Atkin, golf tour organiser and Jubilant June Allan, Miss Birgham in waiting, lifted the Besom Inn Trophy last Sunday with a devastatingly, scrumptious net 61.

29 JUNE 2009

The Bahaman heat of sun kissed Castrum does not deter the classy golfers of the Hirsel. last week the Hirsel's Andy Murray equivalent, young Steven Younger, won the King George Fund for Sailors Trophy with a net 67 and felt like Captain Pugwash (Aye, Aye me Hearties'). The June Medal was won by the coolest = possible David Lindsay with a net 63, taking the A Class too, while the B Class was won by Ken Thomas (nobody's doubting him now!) with a net 70. Wayne Ford, still polishing his trophies secured the scratch with a net 71. The prestigious 72 hole competition produced Bruce Lunn as the A Class winner with four rounds costing 298 points, the first round he has bought this season ! The B Class honours belonged to dazzling Dazza Bruce with 323 and the C Class to the Grizelrig Gourmet, Dickie Wylie, with 373.

14 JUNE 2009

The Hirsel great players were saluted last Saturday after the Championship Finals, and can look forward to bunches of grapes being dangled, ready to be plucked, servants to tend to their every needs, sponsorship letters coming in tidal waves and possibly Freedom of the Burgh. Wayne Ford, Dickie Melvin, Frederick J. Moralee, Alison Melvin, Pam Laidler and Russell Patterson woke up last Sunday and said 'I'm Champion', as they recollected the previous day's endeavours, in the Club Championships, Worthy Champions they are were in some exciting and pulsating tussles. The classy, self taught, Wayne Ford, defeated a very sporting Ian Bryce after 30 holes and regarding the latter's, it's not often we see an Enrigue Inglasias look-alike on the course. Young Fordy has the potential to be up there with the great, five times Hirsel champions, John Lillico and Bruce Lunn. Alison Melvin's win over over reigning champion, Phillippa Costello, lasted to the 17th hole in a very exciting match, between two accomplished and gritty players. Dickie Mevin's self confessed fitness regime, one fag instead of two at each hole, overcame the Celtic blood at Yackidah, Stuart Retallick, but the latter threatened late on with a surge, perhaps it was the beans! Pam Laidler beat Faith Petrie in a good match while Ted Moralee, with world hopping daughter as caddie, defeated Head Chef Dickie Wylie, with 'Rocket' as caddie after 34 holes, in one of the best contests, involving plenty of foliage. Russell Patterson beat Ryan Carr in the Junior Final. Captain and Lt Colonel John Spells thanked players, supporters, caddies and referees for a wonderful day.

08 JUNE 2009

It's championship week at the Hirsel; wives are steering clear of daft questions, the green staff are working like beavers with a demolition order on their lodge and family pet dogs are shopping at Rob Smith's and Helen Park's all on their own as the Hirsel Gents forget the usual chores and attempt to reach greatness come Saturday's finale. In last weekend's qualifiers there was an air of severe anxiety as contestants tapped their cards into Bob's computer. The best score belonged to Winter League Champion, Stuart Retallick, who carded a 79-15-64, and smiled right through till Monday. In second place was Duncan Law with 82-15-65, hoping to make folklaw, while the third best score was carded by J Morrris with 82-22-66 (ah! Bobby Moore). One suspects the grim reaper will be visiting certain handicaps this week.

08 JUNE 2009

In weather that would make an ice-cream man give a Churchill sign to the recession, the Championship qualifiers saw 'Britain's Got Talent', contender, Andrew Rutherford, the scorer of the best goal in Coldstream FC history, notch another good score, a net 66. In second place, that Loweek Likely Lad, Paul Stobbart, edged in a net 69 (bin), while the passive 'Tudor' Kerr also notched 69 (bin), as did Jimmy Slater, taking a break from topiary. The scratch was won by the in-form and determined Steven Younger with a net 71. In the May Medal Jimmy Slater won with a net 67, taking the B class too. In the A class chuckling Daren 'the cat' Bruce purred with a net 69, extremely talented Bruce Lunn was next with a net 71 (bin) while Robbie Coltrane Culbertson was third with a net 71 (bin). Runners up to Jimmy Slater in the B Class were Vanessa's pride and joy, Paul Ford (70), and Paul Smith (71). Andrew Rutherford says he dominated the scratch with a net 76.

10 MAY 2009

When the jet-propelled and kerosene fuelled 'Rocket' Rutherford puts his mind to it, everyone looks up. With confidence soaring at 36,000 feet (has he landed yet?), not even severe turbulence could stop this golfing great successfully landing his game on the runway of the Match Secretary's Rose Bowl, passing through customs with a net 69. He was last seem booking a bouquet from the Corner Fruit Shop. While all this excitement at terminal 5 was taking place the prestigious, and highly polished, Jackson Cup was won by the ultra competitive, yet seriously charming Daren Bruce with 214 net. The White Swan Texas Scramble is a nice gong to sit on the telly and this was won by Ian 'Jammy' Jerdan, the aforementioned Bobsy Bolton, Vincent Bissett (actress Jacqueline Bissett's half cousin's, nephew's uncly) and the severely talented and voluptuous Phillips Costello with a 54.9. Last Sunday in searing heat that tested the grumpiest of scorpions, the Tillmouth Park Salver was won by 'Hearse of the Year' show winner, John Abercrombie, and the canny Peter Moffat with a net 68.

05 MAY 2009

The Sheach Jacobsen Q-AM was won last Saturday by Michael Atkin, Bob Bolton, John Carefull and Rineke Sangster with a good score of 123 while on Sunday the second round of the Jackson and Williamson was won by Mike Childs with a net 64. In second place was Scott Triebel with a net 67 while Phil Costello was third with a net 69.

26 APRIL 2009

A diamond jubilee trophy of a different kind was competed for last Saturday at the Hirsel when a Blind Pairs competition was run to celebrate sixty years of the Hirsel Golf Club within the Hirsel Estate. With the fairways running fast and the greens true it inevitable that the best golfers in the Club would surface and be met with compliments of the highest standards. The competition was won by the combines score of the ridiculously talented Derek Eliott (41 stableford points) and the swashbuckling Rob Bell (37 points), so artistic he could play with his bagpipes. Runners up were Wayne Ford (34 points), this week hitting his drives on average 395 yards, and the scrumptious entrepreneur June Swan (39 points). In third place Brian Lauder struggled and scored a mere 41 points while blind partner Gerald Tait, the best golfer in the club, racked up a brilliant 31 points to carry the pair through to greatness. A very enjoyable 60's evening was thereafter had, courtesy of the Rob Bell Musical Hall.

On Sunday Daren Bruce dominated the first round of the J & W with a good net 64; second place belonged to Phil Costello (67), third place to Cliff Richard (alias M Webb 68 net) and fourth was Graham Common (69 net bin). Plus on Sunday Jim Brown got a hole in one.

21 APRIL 2009

The winner's of the Annual April 200 Club Big Draw were:

1st with £200 is Nancy Ford

2nd with £100 is Billy Rutherford

3rd with £50 is Margaret Sim

4th each with £10 is John Spells, John Balfour, Ian Raisbeck, Don Rimmer, Jim Sharp.

There are still numbers available for this year the cost is £18 for the year and there are monthly draws with prize money of £40, $20 and £10 and off course there is the annual draw in April. If you would like a number why not pop into the Club and have a word with the Secretary.

Remember Saturday 25th April is our Diamond Jubilee Competition with Entertainment at night provided by Rob Bell. 60's dress is optional. So why not come along and dance to the music of your youth.

14 APRIL 2009

Reminiscent of the 'Thrilla in Manila', Calum Miller and sparring partner, Daren the Bruce, won the Famous Grouse Foursomes on Sunday with a net 70.5. Calum's acceptance speech reminded the audience that they were in the midst of greatness. In second place was two ex James Bonds, Jocky Thompson and Jimmy Bell, with a net 72.5 while in third place, obviously successfully passing through customs on Coldstream Bridge were the father and son rascals from Woola, Vincent Van Gogh Bissett and young tadpole, James Bissett, with a net 73. Members are reminded to stump up their 200 Club dosh for Saturday evening when the draw will be made at the Cheese and Wine social, alon g with the results of the John Nelson Trophy.

15 MARCH 2009

Bernard Madoff 'made off' with the loot in America while here in little Coldstream, return window cleaner, John Slater, 'made off' with the plaudits in last Sunday's final leg of the Hirsel Gents Winter League. Emotions were running high in the Clubhouse, not because the King of Windolene had raked in the dish, but because such a well-organised and popular tourney had drawn to a close. John's net 66 ensures wife Kay and son Edward are in for some boring evening meals in the next week but as they say about colon ic wind, it eventually passes. In second place Andrew 'Tudor' Kerr carded a net 65 (bin) while Stuart Retallick carded a net 65. Captain John R Spells, who has direct line to Downing Street, was emotional when he announced Stuart Retallick, the kid from Gwent, whose now weel kent, had won the Galbraith Trophy as the heaviest scorer in the winter-long tussle. A worthy runner up was Dickie Melvin, five points behind and Derek Purves, third, six pints behind.

8 MARCH 2009

When wily Jim Croll, a nice bloke on the whole, gets on a roll, and the rest are howking for coal, the rest of the Club takes notice. On Sunday past, in the penultimate and second last leg of this enthralling Winter League, young Jimmy carded 4 up in a bogey competition. Close behind, Robert the Bruce's great grandson's half cousin's, brother's nephew, Daren, came close with a score of 3 up, suggesting if you let a Bruce Loose, pursuing two's for the rest it's bad news. In third spot was Olympic hopeful, Mickey Atkin, with 2 up. Behinds are twitching at the top of the leaderboard, with extra loo rolls being drafted in, and next Sunday only four warriors can claim the ultimate golfing prize, and be completely big-headed for at least two hours. Dickie Melvin has 51 points, Stuart Retallick 48, Derek Purves 47 and Brian Lauder 42.

1 MARCH 2009

John Thompson's golf was like Fred Goodwin's pension, giving 'nowt away', as this golfing great carded a deliciously delectable 42 points, in last Sunday's leg of the Gents' Winter League: the final round in two weeks' time vying for TV rights with the Eurovision Song Contest. 'Fill' Costella, another golfer of extreme talent, and infinite wisdom, Philled the cups with some raking putts and was next with 40 points, while John Slater showed what a good golfer he might be with a net 39 (bin) to take third spot.

Richard Melvin is like a Hardwicke yowe, whatever the weather, just feed him, give him a grass field to play in and this golfing and cricketing great will rattle the cups. Stuart Retallick looked good wearing the leader's yellow hat last Sunday but now it returns to the clutches of the Melv, with the latter now three points in the lead have amassed a shockingly impressive 51 points. In third place, and not giving up.is Derek Purves, with 41 points and Paul Smith and John Thompson (both with 39 points) still have a chance but it's awry late in the day and they need nothing short of a flock of locusts to descend on Melville.

23 FEBRUARY 2009

It's all getting very interesting in the Hirsel, Gents Winter League. Quiet and unassuming Richard Melvin (44 points) has been knocked off the top spot and replaced by the Owen Glendower spirit of Stuart Retallick (48 points). But the ex banker will no doubt bounce back, with interest and few growls, as this climatic tourney reaches a conclusion. Derek Purves and Paul Smith (both 39 points) could clinch the title too but they need points badly and if James Bell (36 points) can muster a short spell of form he could be lifting the coveted trophy. Most others are struggling at Base Camp looking up Everest at the budding titans.

2 FEBRUARY 2009

Bert Trautmann, the Manchester City goalie, broke his neck in the FA Cup final and was advised. 'never look back son'. 56 years later the same advice has been given to Gents Winter League leader, Dickie Melvin, as he now tops the table with 44 bonnie points, 3 ahead of rival Stuart Retallick and 5 ahead of Derek Purves and Paul Smith. All this change at the top is not good for the ticker and in Sunday's leg, Club President and Whip Cracker, Graham Ford, carded 39 stableford points just edging out Rob Bell (39), favourite for next year's X Factor, and Dickie Melvin who had 38 points (bin). Rumour has it that strict diets, rowing machines and jogging on the spot have been introduced to West Lees to ensure success for Dickie.

26 JANUARY 2009

After knocking out Floyd Patterson in a world title fight, these days R Johanssen is concentrating on golf, notching a net 66 in last Sunday's leg of the Gents Winter League. Second spot belonged to author, reciter and corgi registered James Bell, who scored a net 66, but got best on the bin. In third place was Joachim Slater ('I'm back on form') who carded a net 67 and looks fit, he could take the lead in the 3.30 at Kelso. Derek Purves has been devoid of points in the past few weeks but remains confidently at the top of the winter league, sharing the lead with Paul Smith, both having 39 points and making raspberries at those further down the totem pole. But closing fast, like the possee in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, is Ricky Melvin , who has 36 points and has that aura of success about him. Stewpot Retallick, Shuggie Lauder, Jimbo Brown and Jamesy Bell are not far behind and could mount a late charge if their mainsails are positioned correctly.

18 JANUARY 2009

The Hirsel Clubhouse was full of twittering budgies last Sunday as the enthralling Gents Winter League approaches the Spring. Entrants are as nervous as a twitching big toe, imagining the riches and glory come early March. Derek Elliot's awesome coolness defied logic, in a stableford leg of the Gents Winter League, as he racked up 44 stableford points in no-nonsense style and in pretty 'plowtry' conditions more suited to warthogs. Another cool customer, Phil Costello, someone you would want at your side at the OK Coral, came second with 40 points. Tournamenr favourite Frankie Tommy Mount, came third with 39 points, a total he usually amasses in two months, never mind one round while ex Charlton Athletic Manager, Richard Holmes, and Paul Smith followed close behind with 38 points. The leader board indicates that Derek Purves and Paul Smith each have 39 league points with Stuart Retallick ('I have new clubs you know?) on 35, Jim Brown, coping with the rigors of lambing, on 33 and Paul Stobbart on 32. Others could hit a purple patch and snatch the title, including Richard Melvin on 31 points, however hatchet bearing Match Secretary, Bobby Bolton, could devastate lives with major surgery on the leaders' handicaps.

12 JANUARY 2009

'Shuggie' Lauder is now drinking lemonade after going 7 up in last Sunday's Bogey Leg of the Hirsel, Gents Winter League. Bubbling with raw emotion this popular golfer put his success down to sheer talent, and showing son Jordan a thing or two. In second place was 'Tompa' Thompson, netting a score of 3 up while in third place the beared, battling and brilliant Paul Smith carded a net 2 up. The whole world is watching this intriguing tourney, played last Sunday in the usual Hirsel heat wave, and despite nae points last Sunday, Derek Purves still heads the winter league. He must be reading John Buchan's '39 Steps' as he is stuck on 39 points but is 6 points ahead of 'Smithy' and 7 points ahead of Jimbo Brown and Paul Stobbart.