Drama at the 18th Hole: The Astander and Astican Golf Tournament

With the Portlethen golf course being readied for the Scottish Golf Union Juniors championships, the ground was in perfect condition for the marine match-up. Kevin McGill, Manager of seal servicing for Astander’s UK agents Simplex-Turbulo, and co-organiser of the tournament reported ‘this year’s game threw up quite a few surprises, with the early leaders unable to maintain their form”.

There was strong competition from all competitors, with everyone achieving points in the mid-thirties. Alfonso Campos from Astander, and Simplex’s Kevin McGill looked the early favourites but neither were able to stop George Cusker (ex-Subsea7), and Willie Wood of Transocean, from overtaking them. The competition went down to the wire and McGill looked threatening behind the leaders as the 18th hole drew near.

Meanwhile, Technip’s Gregg Matthews had produced a fantastic 330 yard drive straight down the middle of the 18th fairway, making himself unreachable by any other competitor, and thus winning the prize for the longest drive.

Amid superb Spanish Rioja and fine Spanish ham, Peter Stevenson, MD of Simplex-Tubulo and Bruce Wilmot, Wilmot Marine’s MD, and Astander’s Alfonso Campos announced the winner and presented the prizes while Astican’s Joaquin Bosqued served as the official photographer of the event. George Cusker had won the tournament with 46 stableford points, just pipping Willie Wood.

Astander’s expertise at conversions did not convert into success on the green but Simplex’s Kevin McGill felt there was potential within the pool of talent at Astander for a significant challenge next time around. “Alfonso Campos was closest to the pin on the fifth hole with a tee shot to within three feet of the pin” says Kevin, “this was the best by far on the day, together with Matthews’ super drive shot at the 18th.

With raffles drawn and every golfer presented with a DVD of the ‘Miracle at Medinah’ – a story of the last Ryder Cup – all golfers went away with at least some goodies.

For those interested in Astander’s conversion capabilities, this shipyard has recently invested in further facilities through the installation of two significantly sized pits to enable the overhaul or removal of azimuthal propellers.