WITH the course back to excellent condition after winter difficulties, a big field is expected for the Kingarth Open on Sunday. The 18-hole event, again generously sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland through senior agricultural manager Neil Gillies and local branch manager Anne-Marie McLean, carries a top prize of an £80 voucher. Rothesay’s Steve MacDonald is defending the Middleton Cup following an outstanding performance last year when he shot a four-under-par score of 30 over the first nine holes. The seven-handicapper’s gross 66 for net 59 gave him a comfortable two-shot victory. In addition to the £80 voucher for the best net score, other prizes include £50 for the leading scratch scorer and voucher awards for the best returns in first and second class. Special prizes will also go to longest drive and nearest the pin shots in both classes. A rolling ballot will be in operation from 7.30am with the last tee-off at 3.00pm.

The annual captain v. vice-captain team match takes place at the course tomorrow (Saturday) when all participants should be at the clubhouse for 8.30am.