Portmahomack golfer ends 49 year wait to win trophy named after his father
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Donald Urquhart has waited almost 50 years to get his hands on the trophy which was named after his father.
The 77-year-old finally realised his ambition when he won the Urquhart Cup at Portmahomack Golf Club last weekend.
He held his nerve to lift the trophy which was named after his father George in 1958, shortly after he died.
Urquhart recorded nett 62 after a gross score of 76 which was good enough to win the trophy after coming close over the past five decades.
He described winning the trophy as the most emotional moment of his golfing career.
“My mother, Katy Mary Urquhart put the trophy up in 1958 shortly after my father passed away,” said Urquhart.
“I was in the merchant navy for 20 years and I left the sea in 1972.
“I have been playing for this trophy every year since.
“I have been close a couple of times, but this is the first time that I have won it.
“It was quite an emotional moment for me.
“I have won a number of trophies previously and at bigger competitions.
“But winning the Urquhart Cup was certainly the most emotional win for me.”
Urquhart was born at the Castle Hotel at Portmahomack which his family had run for 64 years.
After leaving the merchant navy, Urquhart ran the hotel until he sold it in 2002.
He said he was pleased with his performance on the day which enabled him to lift the trophy.
“I played way below my handicap, especially on the front nine and had a moderate back nine.
“I was only +2 on the front nine.”
Urquhart is hoping to continue his winning form through this summer by taking part in a number of tournaments in the region during 2021. He was due to play at the Ross Sutherland senior competition at Muir of Ord on Wednesday.