When he watches the British Open play out over the next few days at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in Scotland, Don Roberts will remember the time he had the opportunity to play eight of the courses holes, 30 years ago.
“We played as many holes as we could play,” Roberts, the pro at Waterville Country Club, said.
It was Christmas break, 1984-85, and Roberts and his teammates on the Husson College men’s basketball team were in Scotland to play a few exhibition games. Those who played golf took the opportunity to play a few holes at St. Andrews, although Roberts said he and his teammates didn’t appreciate the history of the course at the time. Founded in 1754, the Old Course at St. Andrews is one of the oldest golf courses in the world.
“We had no idea. We were just basketball players,” Roberts said.
On New Year’s Day, 1985, Roberts played holes one through four, and holes 14 through 17. He remembers the view from the first tee, and what stood out about the course was how big the greens were. Roberts recalled former Husson coach Bruce MacGregor attempting a 100-foot putt.
Hole 17 is famous for the road that’s in play to the right of the fairway, and for the proximity of the hotel to the fairway. Many players try to get their tee shot over the building, with varying success.
“A couple guys hit over the building,” Roberts said.
Along with playing a few holes on the Old Course, Roberts recalled a putting green in the middle of town that was used constantly.
“It’s quite a spot over there,” Roberts said. “A few of us always talk about going back.”
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On Tuesday, Mary Brandes won the Southern Maine Women’s Golf Association Senior Championship. The tournament was played on the Arrowhead course at Natanis.
Representing The Woodlands of Falmouth, Brandes shot a 74. Runner-up was Cindy Choate of Falmouth Country Club, who shot an 81.
Stacey Creech of Bangor Municipal Golf Course had a good showing at the New England Women’s Golf Association Championship last week at Ledgemont Country Club in Seekonk, Massachusetts. Creech tied for third place with a three-day score of 227, 5-over par.
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Canadians Joey Savoie and Eric Banks earned spots in the U.S. Amateur Championship in a qualifier held at the Ledges in York earlier this week.
Savoie won the 36-hole tournament with a 4-under score of 140. Banks shot a 2-under 142 to take second place. The U.S. Amateur Championship will be Aug. 17-23 at Olympia Fields Country Club in Illinois.
Sam Grindle of Deer Isle, who placed fourth at the Maine Amateur last week at Waterville Country Club, shot even par to finish third and earn first alternate status. Zack Zaback of Farmington, Connecticut is the second alternate after shooting a 1-over 145.
Gavin Dugas of Pittsfield shot a 156, while Luke Ruffing of Manchester shot 157.
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Bob Libby and Dan Honan won the B and C championships this week at Dutch Elm Golf Club in Arundel.
Playing for the host club, Libby was the B winner with a two-day score of 154. Libby shot a 5-over 77 on each day. He beat Norm Russell of Salmon Falls Golf Club and Mark Boivin of Lakewood Golf Course by one stroke. Boivin just missed a short putt that would have sent he and Libby to a playoff hole.
Honan, of Portland Country Club, won the C title. His two-day score of 164 was four strokes better than Michael Francouer, also of Portland Country Club.
Travis Lazarczyk — 861-9242
Twitter: @TLazarczykMTM
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