11/06/2026
Argyll & Bute Golf Union Seniors Championship Report
Machrihanish Golf Club – Wednesday 10th June 2026
The Argyll & Bute Golf Union Seniors Championship was played at Machrihanish Golf Club on Wednesday 10th June in bright and breezy conditions, providing a true but fair test for a strong field of 99 competitors from across the region.
The renowned links course was presented in outstanding condition, with players universally complimentary about both the quality of the greens and the overall setup. Despite the testing breeze, scoring was generally very good, reflecting both the standard of play and the excellent course conditions.
Taking top honours was Bute’s Steven Neilson, who produced an outstanding round of 47 points to claim the overall title in impressive fashion.
In the Over 70s category, John Plunkett of Glencruitten secured victory with 43 points, with Michael J.A. Holder (Carradale) finishing runner-up on 39 points. Machrihanish’s Graham Anderson placed third in the category, closely followed by Robert Macdonald (Rothesay).
The Over 60–69 section was won by home player Donald Sloss (Machrihanish) with 39 points, narrowly ahead of Bute’s Duncan Speirs on 38 points. Alan Stewart (Port Bannatyne) took third place, with Patrick Galbraith (Machrihanish) finishing fourth after a countback.
In the Over 50–59 category, Ewan McGougan (Helensburgh) emerged victorious with 39 points. Michael Morrison (Machrihanish) was runner-up, while Allan Smith (Rothesay) claimed third place on countback, and Crawford Kilpatrick (Ranfurly Castle) finished fourth.
The Scratch prize was won by Robbie Chrystie of Royal Troon with an excellent gross 34 points, pipping Donald Standaloft by better inward half
The championship was a great success, showcasing both the quality of senior golf in Argyll & Bute and the exceptional condition of Machrihanish Golf Club, which proved to be a superb host venue.
Leading Scores:
Steven Neilson (Bute) – 47 – Overall Winner
John Plunkett (Glencruitten) – 43 – Winner Over 70s
Michael J.A. Holder (Carradale) – 39 – Runner-up Over 70s
Ewan McGougan (Helensburgh) – 39 – Winner Over 50–59
Donald Sloss (Machrihanish) – 39 – Winner Over 60–69
Duncan Speirs (Bute) – 38 – Runner-up Over 60–69
Robbie Chrystie (Royal Troon) – 38 – Scratch Winner
Alan Stewart (Rothesay) – 38 – 3rd Over 60–69
Michael Morrison (Machrihanish) – 38 – Runner-up Over 50–59
Graham Anderson (Machrihanish) – 38 – 3rd Over 70s
Robert Macdonald 37 18 Rothesay 4th Over 70s bih
P Galbraith 37 8 Machrihanish 4th 60 -69 bih
Ewan McTaggart 37 24 Rothesay
Duncan Munro 37 18 Carradale
Allan Smith 37 7 Rothesay 3rd 50 -59 bih
Crawford Kilpatrick 37 9 Ranfurly Castle 4th 50 - 59
Pictured is the winner Stevie Neilson receiving his trophy from Area secretary Graham Bolton
