The Bloo Toon's Phil McLean claimed the title after forcing a play-off against Fraserburgh's Kris Nicol.






Fraserburgh Club Captain Bertie Baird told the Herald that conditions had improved in the run up to the event:

"We had crossed fingers due to the Haar that had rolled in overnight on the days prior to The Buchan Firkin Open, but thankfully on 'Firkin Day', the sun shone from early morning.

"The field was nearly full and the windy conditions persisted all day resulting in a fair test of Links golf," he said.

A total of 67 competitors took part in the event, which has been running since the late 1940s.

Conditions were good, with just a slight breeze, and the match developed into a showdown between Nicol and McLean:

"For the second year running, a playoff was required, both Philip McLean (Peterhead) and Kris Nicol (Fraserburgh) tied on 143.

"The duel between two of the North East's finest young golfing talents was settled at the first extra hole, as Philip triumphed," said Mr Baird.

The Club Captain expressed his gratitude to all those who had supported the event:

"Running an event such as this requires an incredible amount of effort and on behalf of all participants.

"I wish to thank, Fraserburgh Golf Club Junior Section, plus Gladys, Kerry and Jane for the pre-Firkin activities they organised on Friday night.

"Also, on the day, the Catering Staff, Bar Staff, Greens Staff and The Match Committee, who were present from 6am.

"Fraserburgh Golf Club thanks all the competitors for supporting this historic competition open to both Professionals and amateurs.

"Finally, Fraserburgh Golf Club, appreciates the sponsorship given by International Fish Canners, who have been loyal supporters of The Buchan Firkin for a number of years.

"It is appropriate this tournament is associated with the Clark family's fish processing company," he added.

Broch golfer Fraser Milne also had a strong showing, winning two prizes, prior to his move to warmer golfing climes.

IFC Buchan Firkin Results

Scratch - P McLean (Phd) 73 + 70-143; Kris Nicol 70 + 73-143; A Campbell (Deeside) 76 + 70-146; John R Mitchell 74 + 76 -147; Bruce Wisely (Inv) 81 + 67 -148.

Handicap - Gordon Munroe Jnr 73 + 67 -140 (4); Fraser Milne 67 + 73 -140 (3); Ian N Barbour 71 + 71-142 (6); Fraser Stephen 70 + 72 -142 (7); Iain S MacKinnon 67 + 74 -142 (3).

Late Entries are now being accepted for the Alcoa Cup on Saturday 2nd August, 2008 (10 – 28 HCP).