Clark Brechin celebrated his 42nd birthday in style by clinching the Maitland Shield with Bon Accord.
It was Clark’s second victory in the foursomes tournament, coming at the start of his first season at the links club, after leaving Portlethen where he had been a member for more than 20 years.
Clark teamed up with Matty Greig, Barrie Edmond and his brother Matthew to defeat Hazlehead by three holes in the final at Auchmill.
It was also a first success for Matthew and Bon Accord clubmate Ross Allerton, who had played in the earlier rounds.
Both Bon Accord pairings won all their matches over the tournament as they progressed against Northern, Clark’s old club Portlethen and Royal Aberdeen.
Clark, who plays off plus one, said: “I had mixed feelings after we beat Portlethen as I’d given my all for that club for over 20 years.
“They’re a great bunch of guys and the reason I left Portlethen was simple – last year I only played nine times, and that was in medals. It just did not financial sense to do it again this season.
“But I’m looking forward to the new challenge at Bon Accord and I could not have had a better start than winning the Maitland Shield in my first team event.
“It was extra special to win it on my birthday, too.”
Clark had previously won the Maitland Shield playing for Murcar Links in 2012.
MAITLAND SHIELD 2023
SEMI-FINALS
NEWMACHAR 0, HAZLEHEAD 2 (Hazlehead won both matches at the first extra hole).
Adam Giles and Martin Lawrence lost to Jack Pirie and Jordan Laing 4 holes.
Clark Henderson and Jamie Wilson beat Bryan Robson and Dougie Elrick 4 holes.
ROYAL ABERDEEN 0, BON ACCORD 8.
Nick Macandrew and Craig Leith lost to Clark Brechin and Matty Greig 4 holes.
Don Macandrew and Grant Joss lost to Barrie Edmond and Matthew Edmond 4 holes.
FINAL
HAZLEHEAD 0, BON ACCORD 3.
Jack Pirie and Greg Ingram lost to Clark Brechin and Matty Greig 2 holes.
Bryan Robson and Dougie Elrick lost to Barrie Edmond and Matthew Edmond 1 hole.
Future bright for Bon Accord – Edmond
Barrie Edmond is celebrating a double success after adding the Phillips Trophy to the Maitland Shield.
Less than 48 hours after Bon Accord’s victory at Auchmill, Barrie carded rounds of 68 and 72 at Fraserburgh to pip Portlethen’s Ben Murray (72, 69) and Murcar Links’ Chris Somers (69, 72) by a shot.
Now team captain Barrie is hoping Bon Accord’s fresh faces will help their challenge in the Aberdeen Pennant League this season.
Barrie said: “We are obviously pleased to be crowned Maitland champions.
“Matty Greig and I have now had four successes after winning in 2007, 2011 and 2013, which is quite a record for a smaller club.
“We had three players making their debut in the tournament this year – new signing Clark Brechin, Ross Allerton and my brother Matthew.
“It was a massive boost when Clark joined us from Portlethen.
“His vast experience adds a lot of strength to our squad and it is surprising that this is only his second triumph in the Maitland.
“Ross and Matthew both made their Maitland debuts and played two matches each.
“They played solid golf and I am chuffed for them.
“As a team, we won both matches in every game, which is really pleasing.
“It’s a huge thrill to win alongside my little brother and a close bunch of pals.
“The course was soft due the deluge of rain earlier in the week. As a result, the greens were not cut as low as usual so putting was difficult.
“It was very important to get your first putt next to the hole.
“Wherever it is held next year, we will try our best to retain the trophy, but first we’re looking forward to this season’s Pennant League.”
Links Championship deadline approaching
Time is running out to enter this year’s Links Championship.
Forms should be returned to the Northern club secretary at 22 Golf Road, Aberdeen by Friday, May 26.
The Seniors Links Championship is over two rounds on Friday, June 2 and Friday, June 9, while the qualifying round for the Links Championship, Handicap Shield and Murray Cup is Saturday, June 3.
The matchplay dates are Sunday, June 4 (last 16), Monday, June 5 (quarter-finals), Wednesday, June 7 (semi-finals), with the finals on Friday, June 9.
Entry to the seniors is £10 for season pass holders and £20 for others, while the Links Championship is £15 for pass holders and £30 for other entrants.
Forms are available at the Kings Links starters box and Links club secretaries,
More information for players entering from qualifying pennant clubs can be obtained by emailing linkschampionship@hotmail.com.
Meanwhile, late entries are being accepted for the Super Senior Open (over 70s) on the nine-hole Blair’s Course at Deeside on Thursday.
Entry of £20 includes tea/coffee and bacon rolls.
For more details, contact the pro shop on 01224 869457.
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