MY wife and I attended the Final of the Scottish Men’s Amateur Golf Championship over the historic links of Prestwick Golf Club.
It was contested by two extremely talented young men who were aged 18 and 20.
They had played seven rounds of golf to get to the final. Although the younger man prevailed decisively, as it happened, there was exceptional golf played by both contestants (“Sam Locke romps to emphatic win at Scottish Amateur Championship”, heraldscotland, August 6).
We were informed at the prizegiving that this was the premier amateur event for men in Scotland.
Despite this, only 30 people watched the final including families, golf reporters and a well-behaved dog.
This contrasts sharply with the attendance of more than 500 at the recent West of Ireland Men’s Amateur Final.
What a shame that such a fine occasion should be so poorly attended by Scotland’s golfing community.
This merits reflection by the Scottish Golf Union, perhaps in discussion with the Royal and Ancient Golf Club.
Initiatives that might be considered include providing minibuses or coaches from around the region to transport young golfers to the event.
Without doubt, more extensive advertising and media coverage would help. The golfing community also has a responsibility in this regard.
Finally, may I offer my congratulations to Paul Lawrie for his outstanding support for golf development in the Aberdeen area. We are now seeing the fruits of this in young men such as Sam Locke – a name to remember.
Frank Dunn,
14 Gadloch Avenue,
Lenzie.
THERE are three things that puzzle me about the outstanding performance on Saturday evening given by the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
First, the audience. Though appreciative and enthusiastic, it was sparse.
Secondly, the orchestra was playing simultaneously with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, which played the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday as part of the London Proms.
I imagine that many of the players on Saturday would have loved to play in both concerts but I guess playing in both orchestras would be too heavy a workload to manage. Thirdly, I thought The Herald might have posted a review.
I write that because it would be hard to exaggerate the scale of the orchestra’s achievement.
The concert had an American theme, with three substantial and virtuoso works. Jazz idioms were perfectly captured in George Gershwin’s An American in Paris.
In Andrew Norman’s percussion concerto Switch, the orchestra’s percussion section matched and echoed the virtuosity of soloist Colin Currie in a demanding score of great complexity that must equally have been a challenge for conductor Michael Francis, stepping in at short notice for an indisposed Thierry Fischer.
The hugely expansive Third Symphony of Aaron Copland was played with great passion and power.
The celebrated Fanfare for the Common Man that opens the last movement raised hairs on the back of my neck.
Every section of the orchestra shone. I particularly thought the first violins, led by Iona McDonald, were magnificent in their precision and ensemble, particularly in the high register.
Such a concert should not slip unnoticed under the radar. It truly was wonderful.
Dr Hamish Maclaren,
1 Grays Loan,
Thornhill,
Stirling.
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