Two players from Greenock Whinhill Golf Club scooped the trophies in the 2024 Baxter Open.

The event at Port Glasgow Golf Club saw a turnout of 140 golf players, with 80 visiting participants from 25 courses across Scotland, travelling from as far as Inverness and St Andrews.

The Baxter Open, which offers two trophies; one for the lowest gross score and the Joe Baxter Trophy for the lowest overall net score, has had Port Glasgow as its location for more than four decades.

The players battled to break par amid consistent blustery winds that made the scoring difficult which as reflected by the PCC changing by +1.

John Donald from Greenock Whinhill set an early tough target with a 71 in the scratch competition.

This was, however, eventually overtaken by the defending Port Glasgow champion, Ryan Gallagher, who checked in with a better 69.

Gallaghers's triumph was nearly lasting until almost the last game when Gary Harkins punched in an exceptional 1 under 67, with three birdies and only two bogeys.

Harkins's brilliant play earned him the trophy and a cash prize of £150.

In the handicap section, 15 players vied for the lead, separated by just four shots.

The lead changed hands several times throughout the day.

Although home players John Blaney and Ciaran Rodger returned a 63 net each, Greenock Whinhill player, John Forsyth, tipped the scale to his favour.

Forsyth returned an equal 63 and courtesy of a back nine 28 nett against Blaney's 29 earned him the trophy and a £250 cash prize.

In the wake of their victories, both Harkins and Forsyth have qualified for the Renfrewshire Golf Union final event at Bonnyton.

The Port Glasgow Golf Club calendar continues with the Ramza Camburn Memorial Scramble, scheduled for August 25.

The club encourages all interested golfers to contact the golf club to book a time.