Our next venue was a little nearer home, Ratho Park Golf Club, a golf course which is always a pleasure to play.  Due to the all but flat terrain, Ratho is an easy walking course. However, the large tree population has to be avoided if you wish to have any chance of a winning score.

The imposing Clubhouse at Ratho Park is a fine Grade A listed manor house built in the Tudor style in 1824 by leading Scottish architect William Burn for John Bonnar of Ratho.  The property changed its name from Ratho House to Ratho Park when it was bought by John Dougal of Nairnshire in 1868. It remained in the ownership of the Dougal family until the 14th January 1955 when the Club’s offer of £5,000 for the house, 71 acres of estate and woodland, two lodges, a stable block and two cottages was accepted. Amazing as it may seem today, there were a considerable number of members who were not in favour of this purchase.  With my nephew Billy teeing off in the match behind I began my round with birdies at the 1st and 2nd holes. A par, followed by two bogeys brought me back to earth with a bump, as I failed to avoid those trees I mentioned earlier. However, a birdie, bogey, par, birdie finish saw me reach the turn in a one under par 34.  There appeared to be bigger, or more trees, on the inward half as I dropped four strokes from the 10th to the 15th. With all my earlier hard work looking in danger of slipping away I finished with three solid pars for a gross 72 and the best net score of the day to win the D. Porteous Trophy and another SGU voucher for £75.

Club facilities were first class. Club Secretary Deryck Scott presenting me with the David Porteous Trophy.To arrange an outing or a friendly Four Ball contact: the Secretary, Deryck A Scott on 0131 335 0069 or e-mail: secretary@rathoparkgolfclub.co.uk