Golf: Bull's eye is in range for City golfers

THE sight of unique rugby posts on the range at Melville Golf Centre, close to the city bypass, has probably forced the odd doubletake from passers-by recently.

But the posts, which were designed by staff member Robert Salton and have a bull's-eye target on the crossbar, have now been brought into competitive use for the first time after proving popular with visitors to the range.

The Melville Golf Centre has hosted the first two of three qualifying events in a 'Golfing Goals Challenge' in aid of Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland.

The event is the idea of former East Alliance secretary Keith Liddle, who was delighted with the initial response and was quick to praise the help and support of the directors and staff at Melville.

"To score a goal, participants try to hit a golf ball between the uprights of a set of rugby-style posts, which are approximately 110 yards away, which is slightly more difficult than it sounds," said Liddle.

Indeed, the leading total in the first event was the five recorded from his ten attempts by Keith McLeod from Haddington. 'Shot of the day' was by Kimberley Davidson, from Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, who hit the 'bull's-eye' target.

"The participants in the first event had a great time. They ranged in ability from skilled club golfers to people who were not golfers at all, but were keen to support Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland," added Liddle.

"Most said that it was easier during the warm up, but, under competition conditions, they found it much harder due to the pressure." The final qualifying evening is on Monday, March 21, between 7.00pm and 8.30pm.

The top 30 scores qualify for the finals evening on March 28, with prizes going to the top three.

It costs 2 for ten balls and participants must be over 18.

"Do you think you can beat five out of ten? Then come and have a go!" said Liddle