I hope you've all had a fantastic week on and off the golf course and welcome to another exciting edition of the Moray Pro Shop weekly newsletter, bringing you up to date with all the latest news and gossip from within the walls of MGC.

It's been a great week of golf both locally and worldwide. It was great to see Ricky Fowler silence his critics after being labelled as 'over rated' winning the players championship in dramatic fashion covering his last 4 holes in 5 under par. He eventually sealed the deal on the tricky 17th with a birdie 2 in the sudden death playoff.

Another player to be labelled over rated was Ian Poulter, now after this man's Ryder Cup heroics at Medina it's hard to see any substance in the comments. Also when you look at his European Tour record he has 12 wins on the European Tour, 47 top 10's, his winnings add up to just the £22 million! And on the PGA Tour he has 2 wins, 34 Top 10's and 17 million dollars earned. If that is what over rated is I wouldn't mind that at all!

Moray and Nairn Scratch League

Moray GC lost out by the narrowest of margins on Sunday evening to eventual winners Nairn Golf Club in the Moray & Nairn Scratch League. The event which was played over the Old Course came down to the final match of the day between Moray and Nairn. With Moray needing a win to take the overall title, it came down to the wire and in the end a halved match at 4-4 left us 1/2 point short of winning the prestigious G. R. Thomson Shield.

Well done to eventual winners Nairn Golf Club

Moray vs Nairn

K. Godsman Lost To  S. Burgess - 3/2
C. Stuart Beat S. Scott - 3/2
K. Thomson Lost To F. Fotheringham - 4/3
G. Murray Lost To  R. Smith - 2/1
M.L. Macleman Lost To  A. Burgess - 3/2
S. Matheson Beat B. Thomson - 3/2
N. Stables Beat S. MacDonald - 3/2
J. Hendry Beat F. Asher - 2/1

Ellie Docherty Claims Northern Counties Crown

Congratulations to Ellie Docherty on claiming the Northern Counties Championship at Forres over the weekend.

Her qualifying round of nett 68 had an almost flawless back nine of 38 to put her in pole position for the match play stages.

Marian Evans (Elgin) was her 1st round opponent and after a very nip and tuck game which went to the 18th, Ellie rolled in a birdie putt to progress to the next round where she met Sally Rowan (Inverness). Ellie was out in 38 and started back 4,4,5,4,4 to win by 6/4.

In the Final against local player Fiona Grant who received 6 strokes from Ellie. Their match was very tight however Ellie had a par 4 at the 16th sending her 2 up. Unfortunately her following Tee shot found sand at the 17th and it was back to 1up. Showing no nerves on the 18th she found the middle of the fairway and then the middle of the green to finish with a par 4 to claim the championship by 2 holes. A massive congratulations to Ellie from everyone at Moray Golf Club, it's great to see our young members do well!

Campbell Makes it Ace #2

Stewart Campbell had a hole in 1 at the 17th hole of the New Course on Saturday playing in the Spring Stableford alongside Brian Flanagan and Michael Caton.

Stewart hit a 4 iron and the ball didn't want to go in to the hole initially as it hung on the edge of the hole. However once they started to walk from the tee, the ball finally gave in and fell in for Stewarts 2nd Ace.

Great work Stewart!

Spring Stableford - New Course CSS 70

There was a good turnout of 137 players on the New Course on Saturday for the Spring Stableford. Well Done to Robert Hornby on winning the event with a great score of 40 points, beating a host of other players tied on 39 points.

1st - Robert Hornby - 40pts
2nd = Calum MacKay - 39pts
2nd = Richard Bowlt - 39pts
2nd = Alexander R Tweedie - 39pts
2nd = Charles D Stewart - 39pts

There were 29 Magic 2's on the New Course worth £4.03 each. A full list of players can be seen in the clubhouse and Pro Shop noticeboards. Stuart Campbell aced the 17th and so received double money £8.06 for his efforts......it's certainly not life changing!!

Rita Riot - Drag Act - Saturday, 23 May

We will be hosting a fantastic evening of entertainment, hosted by Rita Riot with a drag night consisting of a cabaret dinner, 2 course meal and an evening of comedy and song!

Click here to find out more.

Stuart was taking relief from the lighting pole at the 13th Old. When he dropped his ball it rolled more than 2 club lengths from where it struck the course thereby necessitating a re-drop with the same result. Stuart must now place his ball as near as possible to the spot where it struck the course on the second drop. Before he replaces his ball, may he remove all the loose impediments on or around the spot on which the ball has to be placed. Mike was on hand to assist him with this rule.

"This was a correct procedure under the rules" replied Mike.