Newton Shield winners once again!

On Friday night, the Elderslie Gents team travelled to Greenock Golf Club to face Erskine in the Newton Shield final. With Erskine undefeated in all their league matches this season, they came into the match as clear favourites.

The Elderslie team for the final was Rhys McIlroy, Craig Checkley, Ethan Lang, Mark McVeigh, Jim McDonald, Jack Tourish, Robbie McLeod and Steven Leckie.

The opening nine holes saw both teams trading early advantages, with players from each side holding leads in multiple games. Neither team could establish clear control as the contest remained finely balanced.

By the 12th hole, Elderslie began to find their rhythm. Ethan Lang, Craig Checkley, Jim McDonald, and Steven Leckie had all stayed ahead in their respective games, giving the team crucial momentum heading into the closing holes.

Craig Checkley was the first to close out his game, putting Elderslie on the board. Ethan Lang followed soon after, then Jim McDonald secured a third win. When Steven Leckie won his game, Elderslie had guaranteed at least a playoff with four wins secured.

Jack Tourish took his match to the 18th hole, battling back from being three down through 11 holes. Unfortunately, Jack wasn’t able to secure the additional half needed to secure the win.

The decisive moment came from Robbie McLeod, who had battled back from three down through nine holes to take a one-hole lead by the 16th. On the 17th hole, facing a 15-foot putt to halve the hole, Robbie rolled it in to secure the final point Elderslie needed to win the Newton Shield.

The team would like to thank all the supporters who turned out for the final. The attendance was excellent and made for a great atmosphere on what proved to be a memorable evening for Elderslie Golf Club.