Golfer secures dominant victory to win Sheigra Open for the first time at Durness
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It was the perfect way to end 2021 for Billy McBain who took the top prize in the final competition of the year at Durness Golf Club.
McBain was crowned the winner of the Sheigra Open which is traditionally the competition which rounds off the calendar year at the North Sutherland course.
He took the trophy in dominant fashion as he claimed victory with a whopping 44 stableford points.
He was six points clear of his playing partner Alisdair McCowan who claimed second place with 38 points and Connor Munro finished in third place with 37.
A total of 18 players took part in the competition which was considered a good turnout by the organisers of the tournament.
It was also a poignant competition as the day was dedicated to the memory of Robbie Gunn who sadly passed away earlier in the year.
Gunn had been a long time and popular member of Durness Golf Club was one of the original instigators of the Sheigra Open when it was played over four holes on the Machar at Sheigra.
In 1988 with the opening of the 18 holes at Durness the venue was changed and the event has taken place every year since.
The event has not always taken place on Hogmanay as planned, but organisers tried to ensure it was played to that date as near as possible.
Gunn also had the distinction of winning the tournament on one occasion, so his name is on the trophy, as well as other pieces of silverware and his picture appears in many year books all with a different story to tell.
A spokeswoman for Durness Golf Club said Gunn’s memory would always be remembered by everyone he knew and said he would have been proud that a new first time winner was engraved on the Sheigra Open shield.
She said: “Robbie would definitely have approved of Billy’s performance and first time win.”
