Golf exchange visit goes with a swing

Jul 2 2009 by George Topp, Lanark & Carluke

YOUNG golfers from Clydesdale and Scandinavia are battling it out this week on the 16th Swedish Golf Exchange.

This annual event sees youngsters from the district take on their counterparts from the District of Blekinge in Southern Sweden. This year’s contest, sponsored by Brian and Linda Murphy of Eclipse Contract Cleaning in Carluke, is being held on home territory for the Scots.

The Clydesdale team members are Mark Allan (Lanark), Craig Boyd (Lanark), Ross Brown (Hollandbush), Ryan Crawford (Carluke), James Donnelly (Hollandbush), David Donohoe (Carluke), Simon Fleming (Carluke), Calum Harrison (Carluke), Craig Holmes (Hollandbush), Ross Maxwell (Hollandbush), Blair Murphy (Carluke), Ross McCafferty (Lanark) and Kirstie McLeod (Hollandbush).

After their arrival, the Swedish team attended a welcome reception and raising of the flags ceremony at the council offices, South Vennel, Lanark.

The first day of the Viking Trophy was held at Carluke Golf Club with fourball betterball matches played.

The next day the exchange participants played Carnwath Golf Club in a team competition. In the evening the youngsters enjoyed a night of ten-pin bowling.

The second day of the Viking Trophy was held at Lanark Golf Club, with twoball foursomes matches being played. In the evening football was played at Milton Rovers Football Club’s ground. Today (Thursday) the group will be visiting St Andrews to play on the Strathtyrum Course. Tomorrow the final singles matches of the Viking Trophy will be held at Hollandbush Golf Club. The youngsters and adults are then taking part in the Sam Torrance Family Greensome Tournament at Biggar.

GOLFING HOPEFULS: members of the Clydesdale squad are pictured with Provost Russell Clearie and event sponsors, Brian and Linda Murphy of Eclipse Contract Cleaning.