ALAN BLACKSTOCK and Graeme Proud finished in first place in the fifth week of the Tennent’s Winter League at Helensburgh Golf Club on Sunday.

After the torrential rain and gales of Saturday, the course was in remarkably good condition as a full complement of 96 players – including eight substitutes – enjoyed a complete contrast in conditions, with dry and bright spells and a challenging, but not cold, wind.

Several pairs returned scores of 40 or more stableford points, with Blackstock and Proud (pictured) – the latter substituting for Graham Crowhurst – topping the standings on 45.

Craig MacPhee and David Kennedy came second on countback with a better final three holes over Alan Drysdale and Alex McCallum after both pairs scored 44 points.

Six ‘twos’ were recorded on the nominated ninth and 16th par-three holes and a great two was achieved on the par-four fifth by Dominic Taylor. All received four Pro V golf balls.

The average score on Sunday was 38.4 points, and there are still three Sundays outstanding to complete the seven-round competition.