Last year’s golf day was won by Iain Lindsay, a St Mirren supporter and a member of the Barpoint Golfing Society, that Ronnie was a part of.
This year, the Stableford competition was held on Gullane No.3 course. It brought together ex-team mates, friends, ex-golfing partners of Ronnie, as well as Raith Rovers supporters. The event saw the golfers travel from all over to take part, although no one travelled further than Craig Brewster, who flew up from his West Sussex home on Sunday, returning home soon after the prize giving.
Ronnie Coyle's wife, his three children and Sam Nicholson
After coffee and bacon rolls, the twenty five players took to the course. Each group saw an ex-player play with two guests. Peter Hetherston, as the former club captain and one of Ronnie’s best friends, was the first to hit his tee shot to start the competition.
The weather on Sunday just showed how Gullane has its own micro-climate, as people were traveling from all points north, south, east and west. They all had concerns as they travelled through some very unpleasant weather but Gullane was calm with very little rain. The overnight rain had caused no problems to the course and every golfer was presented with a course in magnificent condition.
Laurie Ellis and Allan Walker with the winner of the day, Sam Nicholson
However, the winner on the day was 13-year-old Sam Nicholson, son of Raith Rovers’ match programme editor Phil, with a magnificent 43 points. Sam, playing off a handicap of 15, played the round of his life, scoring 7 shots better than his handicap.
Briony and Georgia Coyle performed the prize giving and Sam Nicholson collected the quaich as champion.
The game was followed by Coyley’s favourite meal of homemade steak pie and it was agreed by everyone that it was fitting tribute to Ronnie.
Ronnie Coyle Memorial Golf Day