DESPITE the threat of continued rain and snow, the 2017 season at Dunblane GC got under way under a clear and sunny sky.

Last Saturday, the traditional Captain v Vice Captain Shotgun Greensomes took place with one set of games at 8.30am and a second set at 1pm.

Despite losing his own match Captain Ian Kenny led his team to a comprehensive victory in the morning winning 27up overall.

However, Vice-Captain Neil Panton partnered by Chairman Roddy Morrison returned a remarkable 58.5 with five birdies in the first seven holes in the afternoon to lead his team to a victory by 13up. As always a draw was declared.

The winning pairing in the morning were Colin Graham and George Scott (10.5) on 63.5 ahead of Phil Castle and Robert Turnbull (21.5) on 65.5. In the afternoon father and son pairing of Jim and Scott Brough (15) won on 64 ahead of Gavin Brown and Pat Monaghan (13) on 66BIH.

The prizes were handed out on Saturday for those with success in having played since October in the Winter Ringer.

Overall winner was Gary Aitken (17.25) on 48.75.

Scratch honours went to Joe Patton on 54 ahead of Derek Cullen on 58.

The First Class was won by Cliff Gordon (9.75) on 49.25 with John Scales (8.25) second on 49.75 and Hamish Donald (9.00) third on 52.00.

Winner of the Second Class was Bob Turner (12.75) on 50.25 ahead of Norman Rodger (11.25) on 50.75 with Stuart Brown (12.00) third on 51.00.

Tony Harrild (15.00) won the Third Class on 49.00 with Alan Mackay (15.75) second on 49.25 and Gordon Raw (14.25) third on 50.75.

Members are reminded the Fixture Books for 2017 are available in the foyer of the clubhouse and the Entry Books for the KO competitions, Gents, Mixed and Family Foursomes and the Louis Pope Gents Fourball are available in the locker room with a final entry date of April 17.

The first competition of the year will be the April Monthly Medal and Millennium Medal on Saturday. Medal play is also possible on Friday.