Experienced challengers out

Jun 19 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

LAST year Gregor Roache lapped-up the PA Sunshine Challenge on the Algarve.

But this year the 2009 finalist tasted defeat in the first round, losing to Challenge regular Gary Miller, from Craigie Hill.

So the route is clear for a new face to capture the PA prize, with Bill Goff teeing-up a week’s golf in Portugal in November.

Serial champion Dave Smith of Auchterarder also suffered first time out. He was defeated one up by Peter Russell at Dunkeld.

Five down with five to play, the past champ dug deep but on the 18th winced as his 10 foot birdie putt failed to drop.

Round One Results: Peter Russell, Dunkeld, won one up against David Smith, Auchterarder; Michael Norval, Blairgowrie, lost 5&4 to Murray Bonthrone, Perth Artisans; Gordon Sutherland, Blair Atholl, lost two up to Craig Mitchell, Craigie Hill; Gavin Brock, Crieff, beat Simon Gray, Taymouth Castle 2&1; Ian Doris, Crieff, lost 5&4 to Jamie Salvin, Blairgowrie; Sandy McLaren, Craigie Hill beat Ricky Hannigan, King James VI, 7&5; Dougie Blues, King James VI beat Peter McBrien, Glenisla 2&1; Gregor Roach, Glenisla lost to Gary Miller, Craigie Hill one up; Ronnie Calderwood, Craigie Hill, walked over Keith Walker, Blair Atholl; Colin McKinnell, Blair Atholl, beat Alan Urquhart, Craigie Hill, 3&2; David Morrison, Blair Atholl, walked over Charlie Gallagher, Blairgowrie; Derek Walker, Dunkeld walked over Douglas Stanners, Alloa.