GOLF — Whinhill Club Championship Goes To The Last Hole

From left, Andrew McDonald, Jamie Sinnamon and Whinhill Golf Club captain Robert Bell

JAMIE Sinnamon was crowned champion of Whinhill Golf Club for the second time after defeating Andrew McDonald at the 36th hole by the score of 1 up in a tense final.

The last-16 matchplay knockout stages of the championship got off to an exciting start with most of the matches being closely contested but won by the player with the lower handicap. The match of the night was the contest between two former champions — Sean McLaughlin and Jamie Sinnamon — who produced lots of birdies in a good quality encounter, Jamie just edging the contest by the score of 2&1.

The quarter-finals were similar to the last 16 in that the matches were won by the players with the lower handicap. Three-time club champion Paul Jones was defeated by defending champion John Donald. Lee Sinnamon showed a lot of heart to battle back in his match with former champion Stephen Donald before Stephen clinched the match at the 17th.

The semi-finals involved four of the top six qualifiers from the 36-hole strokeplay qualifier which in turn led to two terrific matches. Andrew McDonald saw off Stephen Donald by the score of 2&1 to secure his place in his third championship final just before Jamie Sinnamon booked his place in his third final by defeating John Donald (who made a brave defence of his title) by the same score line.

Both Donald brothers — John and Stephen can be very proud of their efforts in this championship which saw them compete in the business end of the competition as they do year after year.

The morning round of the final saw Jamie get off to a flying start as he found himself five up after ten holes, playing those holes in around two under par. Andrew fought back and the deficit was cut to one hole thanks to an excellent finish to the round that included a birdie-birdie finish. The scoring produced in the morning round was really good considering the wet conditions.

The afternoon round continued as the morning round finished, with Andrew winning the 1st hole to level the match. Jamie once again stepped up and won the next two holes to restore a 2 up advantage. Play was then interrupted for around 30 minutes as mist covered the course. After play resumed Jamie picked up where he left off and won the fourth hole to go 3 up.

The next few holes were halved with pars until Andrew birdied the eighth hole before both made par on the ninth, which saw Jamie turn for home two up. An excellent drive on the 10th from Jamie saw him take advantage and go three up, before another run of pars for both until Andrew reduced the deficit with a birdie on the 13th.

A win on the 14th restored Jamie’s advantage to 3 up before Andy made two excellent 3’s on the next two holes. Shared honours on the penultimate hole saw the match go down to the last hole, where Andy made his par leaving Jamie with a 15-foot putt to claim the title. Jamie held his nerve and holed the putt to win his second club championship.

Andrew will be disappointed in defeat however he can be immensely proud of his efforts throughout the week. Over the past six or seven years during club championship week Andrew has always been present in the later stages which shows his remarkable consistency. He is continuing to improve, with many of his performances this year, proving that. The difference in the score in this final and the one two years ago is further evidence of this.

This title adds to Jamie’s first club championship title in 2017 and the three Junior Championships he won from 2014 to 2016. Jamie will no doubt want to thank his caddy and older brother Lee (a good golfer himself) who taught Jamie so much when he was just starting to get into golf. Jamie will be a tremendous ambassador when he represents the club next year in the Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Champion of Champions event.

The championship week contained many exciting matches. Matches were followed by large crowds, played on a course in great condition and played in a tremendous spirit. The golf was generally of a high standard.

Whinhill Golf Club thank the Match and Handicap Committee (in particular Alan Hendry and Chris McDiarmid) for their tremendous efforts in the organisation of the championship, the bar and catering staff for looking after the competitors and spectators so well and the greenkeeping staff for all their hard work over the week with the course being presented in excellent condition.