Bizarre nearest the pin contest

Aug 12 2011 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Bizarre nearest the pin contest

CRAIGIE Hill Golf Club’s Centenary year celebrations reached new heights with a unique Helicopter Drop.

In a unique twist on a nearest the pin competition, more 700 sponsored golf balls were dropped in two tranches from a Kingsfield helicopter piloted by Dave Cuthbert, fresh from his directorial duties at Perth Show.

He and his team has adapted tubing to release the unusual cargo towards a temporary green, ensuring a spectacular sight for the crowd gathered below.

In fine weather, members turned out in force for a fundraiser inspired by Centenary committee member Alan Wilson, who had noted similar stunts had proved popular in the USA. It was sponsored by A and B Taxis.

Hugh McMaster, another committee member, said: “It was a great success. The numbered balls, fittingly, were dropped onto an area of the course known as 'the helicopter pad' between the second fairway and the 18th green.

“It really caught the imagination and we would like to thank everyone who supported the event.”

The individual £1000 prize was scooped by Tam Chapman whose ball landed 20 inches from the target.

The Business Draw for Golf at Gleneagles was won by Bedford Beck, whose ball was under four feet from the mark.

The Golf Clubs Draw was won by the Corinna Golf Club. Their ball was six feet from the pin.

After the drop, a barbecue was held at the Hill and another memorable day in the Centenary calendar was rounded off with a Kings and Queens competition.

The celebrations will continue in September when night golf will be played on Friday, September 23 followed by the Centenary Dance in the Lovat Hotel on Saturday, October 22.