Our annual home encounter with Carnoustie Mercantile, the matches in their 40th year.
We put out a team of heavyweights, determined to triumph and retain the much coveted trophy.
On the first tee, Mr Brian McIntosh was heard (from the 2nd green) to say that it didn't matter about the result - as long as we all had a "guid laugh" - there wasn't a lot of laughing going on as he passed us heading up the 13th, shouting something about "21 handicap my farce" (or something like that). Matters weren't helped by the fact that his playing partner, Richard "Armitage" McAulay is not currently on his best form - although we hear he is seeking professional help.
David McIntosh and Trevor "Tiger" Hayes wasted no time in getting their opponents in a verbal headlock, the match effectively over as a contest on the 4th green.
Playing again with John "sleeping-beauty" Seaton, I managed to contribute a bit more than I had at Carnoustie in May, and we managed to win on the 16th.
In fact the home team prevailed strongly, with one pair graciously allowing Carnoustie a win, thereby avoiding a whitewash. The banter afterwards was the usual discussion of politics and philosophy, with one Carnoustie member mercilessly teased about sombreros, horses and tequila.
Great fun, as these matches always are, particularly against such "like-minded" opponents.
Sunday, 6 September 2009
Wednesday, 10 June 2009
The Centenary Weekend - part 3 (Sunday)
Good grief.
Very "tired" this morning. Out of habit, managed to get into clothes and up to golf club for 10.00am. Tom (of course) already on site and ensuring everything in order for the teams from the other Centenary Clubs visiting today.
I headed out first with Willy Hutton and a pair from Kirriemuir - I might as well have just marked the card, thankfully Willy was on usual form and had a great "better-ball" score on his own! The other six Pitlochry players (Andy Burrows, Duncan Munro, Mike Niven, Greg Duncan, Steve Reid and Richard Drummond) all played their part, and the home team claimed the the trophy. I claimed Centenary fatigue, but the objective of the day was achieved, with all of the teams thoroughly enjoying the course and the dinner afterwards. Ian Michie's forecast wasn't quite 100%, and we had a heavy rainshower for the latter part of the matches, but it did not spoil anyone's enjoyment.
In fact they were adamant that the competition be played again next year, and that a venue be drawn there and then - quite fitting that Hopeman was selected, as it was really the discussions between our two clubs that led to this event being staged - and it looks set to continue in years to come, moving around the other clubs founded in 1909 - Murcar, Kirriemuir, Strathtay, Loudoun Gowf, Tarbat and Troon St Meddans.
Also received some nice gifts from the other Clubs - all in all an event well worth the effort of staging, but (for once) glad to see the weekend come to an end.
Very "tired" this morning. Out of habit, managed to get into clothes and up to golf club for 10.00am. Tom (of course) already on site and ensuring everything in order for the teams from the other Centenary Clubs visiting today.
I headed out first with Willy Hutton and a pair from Kirriemuir - I might as well have just marked the card, thankfully Willy was on usual form and had a great "better-ball" score on his own! The other six Pitlochry players (Andy Burrows, Duncan Munro, Mike Niven, Greg Duncan, Steve Reid and Richard Drummond) all played their part, and the home team claimed the the trophy. I claimed Centenary fatigue, but the objective of the day was achieved, with all of the teams thoroughly enjoying the course and the dinner afterwards. Ian Michie's forecast wasn't quite 100%, and we had a heavy rainshower for the latter part of the matches, but it did not spoil anyone's enjoyment.
In fact they were adamant that the competition be played again next year, and that a venue be drawn there and then - quite fitting that Hopeman was selected, as it was really the discussions between our two clubs that led to this event being staged - and it looks set to continue in years to come, moving around the other clubs founded in 1909 - Murcar, Kirriemuir, Strathtay, Loudoun Gowf, Tarbat and Troon St Meddans.
Also received some nice gifts from the other Clubs - all in all an event well worth the effort of staging, but (for once) glad to see the weekend come to an end.
Tuesday, 9 June 2009
The Centenary Weekend - part 2 (Saturday)
Woke up with mixed feelings - the Atholl Palace Celebration had been occupying my mind for some weeks, and now it was over - so a pleasant sense of relief, and satisfaction that it gone well, mixed with fatigue, nausea, and a thumping in my head - which I accepted might be to do with the fact that I had been in bed for about 3 hours.
Decided to be pro-active and get on with the day, so took the dog a walk up past the golf course. The scenes confirmed the success of the evening. Our esteemed President was sitting staring at his golf shoes, apparently willing the laces to tie themselves. After some time, he gave in and tied them himself. Past Captain M D Winton was leaning against the starter's box with his eyes shut. I'm told he then took an inordinate amount of time over the ball on the tee, before his partners realised that he again had managed to doze off, leaning on his driver. Fair play though, both of them got their drives away and carded respectable scores. Apparently there was only one casualty from the previous evening (choosing to attempt their breakfast, rather than a round of golf) - who was afforded special dispensation, for having been on particularly good form.
Consumate Professional Mark Pirie was full of life, of course - and mercilessly noisy, so I headed back down the hill to have some breakfast.
There were some excellent scores posted on the day, but it was particularly fitting that the first name on the impressive Centenary Trophy is that of a junior, Grant Stewart, carding a net 59. Lande Pattinson lifted the Ladies trophy with a 69, and Lee Grant the gents with a 64. Well done to Cecil Bloice who shot a gross 69, the best of the day.
I played with country member John Richardson, who after a mediocre start, proceeded to take three shots to play each hole, from the 9th through to the 16th, lipping out on the 17th, and playing the last 10 holes in 33 shots!
Onto the evening festivities, and a great time was had by all, the juniors heading out onto the course for a treasure hunt, and the adults "enjoying" the karaoke into the small hours.
A good day, if a very long one.
There were some excellent scores posted on the day, but it was particularly fitting that the first name on the impressive Centenary Trophy is that of a junior, Grant Stewart, carding a net 59. Lande Pattinson lifted the Ladies trophy with a 69, and Lee Grant the gents with a 64. Well done to Cecil Bloice who shot a gross 69, the best of the day.
I played with country member John Richardson, who after a mediocre start, proceeded to take three shots to play each hole, from the 9th through to the 16th, lipping out on the 17th, and playing the last 10 holes in 33 shots!
Onto the evening festivities, and a great time was had by all, the juniors heading out onto the course for a treasure hunt, and the adults "enjoying" the karaoke into the small hours.
A good day, if a very long one.
Monday, 8 June 2009
The Centenary Weekend - part 1 (Friday)
Still a bit wired after the weekend - feeling like there is something to be organised, a speech to write, a contact to make...but we now seem to have a brief respite from Centenary events until the Highland Open.
The last medal of the first hundred years was a successful day, attracting 78 entries, twice the average for a Thursday medal - unfortunately there was some congestion on the golf course in the afternoon - someone quipping that it was the second time in three weeks that the Rotary had brought a Highland Perthshire sporting event to a complete standstill.
Friday was a long day. I had a speech to complete, as well as meeting up with Dougal, Bill and Stephen at the Atholl Palace for a last minute team talk. When I saw the room, I reckoned it was going to be a good night - Dougal and staff had it set out perfectly. I did have a bout of deja vous however, as the top table was in exactly the spot it had been for my wedding 15 years ago.
On arriving at the hotel with Karen at exactly 6.30, I was surprised to see a large crowd already assembled in the foyer, enjoying the free champagne - well, not so surprised then. We spent the next hour putting nervous final touches to the speeches, and the batting order.
After some photographs, it was downstairs for our meal, following an excellent toast by Dougal Spaven - a wonderful four courses, and then it was time for speeches - already over-running (I could see the band limbering up in the hall). Following an introduction by Bill Duncan, Gordon Bannerman entertained us with some stories, and set the tone for the evening very well. Captain Lesley Reid then gave a nice speech for Pitlochry Ladies Golf Club, followed by generous presentations from Ethel Jack for the SLGA, and Ian Ross for the SGU, and a very good speech by Richard Cole-Hamilton for the R & A, in presenting both clubs with a silver plate.
Then it was my turn - I have long accepted my limitations as public speaker, orator, raconteur etc etc, and so had typed my speech out for reading - and on balance was pleased that I managed to get through it fairly fluently, except for when my mobile phone interfered with the sound!
Then it was onto the dancing with the Benachally Ceilidh band firing up and keeping most people on the floor through until midnight, when the disco took over.
By this time, there were a number of meaningful conversations taking place, most of them near the bar. Past Captain Mike Winton was applying whisky liberally, but only for medicinal purposes, Dougal was holding court, and the Perth boys were proving that 18 holes of golf are not the only "rounds" that they like to do at speed.
Guests were interested in the selection of old club photos displayed near the bar with many familiar faces to recall.
We left in the small hours, leaving several people still enjoying the hospitality of the Atholl Palace, some of whom I knew were to be on the golf course in a few hours time. I remarked to Karen that it wasn't that late, there was till light in the sky - she pointed out that it was coming from the east.
The last medal of the first hundred years was a successful day, attracting 78 entries, twice the average for a Thursday medal - unfortunately there was some congestion on the golf course in the afternoon - someone quipping that it was the second time in three weeks that the Rotary had brought a Highland Perthshire sporting event to a complete standstill.
Friday was a long day. I had a speech to complete, as well as meeting up with Dougal, Bill and Stephen at the Atholl Palace for a last minute team talk. When I saw the room, I reckoned it was going to be a good night - Dougal and staff had it set out perfectly. I did have a bout of deja vous however, as the top table was in exactly the spot it had been for my wedding 15 years ago.
On arriving at the hotel with Karen at exactly 6.30, I was surprised to see a large crowd already assembled in the foyer, enjoying the free champagne - well, not so surprised then. We spent the next hour putting nervous final touches to the speeches, and the batting order.
After some photographs, it was downstairs for our meal, following an excellent toast by Dougal Spaven - a wonderful four courses, and then it was time for speeches - already over-running (I could see the band limbering up in the hall). Following an introduction by Bill Duncan, Gordon Bannerman entertained us with some stories, and set the tone for the evening very well. Captain Lesley Reid then gave a nice speech for Pitlochry Ladies Golf Club, followed by generous presentations from Ethel Jack for the SLGA, and Ian Ross for the SGU, and a very good speech by Richard Cole-Hamilton for the R & A, in presenting both clubs with a silver plate.
Then it was my turn - I have long accepted my limitations as public speaker, orator, raconteur etc etc, and so had typed my speech out for reading - and on balance was pleased that I managed to get through it fairly fluently, except for when my mobile phone interfered with the sound!
Then it was onto the dancing with the Benachally Ceilidh band firing up and keeping most people on the floor through until midnight, when the disco took over.
By this time, there were a number of meaningful conversations taking place, most of them near the bar. Past Captain Mike Winton was applying whisky liberally, but only for medicinal purposes, Dougal was holding court, and the Perth boys were proving that 18 holes of golf are not the only "rounds" that they like to do at speed.
Guests were interested in the selection of old club photos displayed near the bar with many familiar faces to recall.
We left in the small hours, leaving several people still enjoying the hospitality of the Atholl Palace, some of whom I knew were to be on the golf course in a few hours time. I remarked to Karen that it wasn't that late, there was till light in the sky - she pointed out that it was coming from the east.
Sunday, 26 April 2009
Hickory fun
After an interesting talk by Chris Homer of past Masters Old Links Golf and practice session with the hickory clubs on Friday night, we all descended upon the Club in a variety of guises on a glorious morning. Around 50 members took part in the hickory challenge, and everyone commented how enjoyable the experience had been.
Whether the opportunity to play as the game was 100 years ago, or the chance to have a bit of fun, all who took part thoroughly enjoyed it. Many found that they could hit the ball quite well, and that the course had been pleasantly quiet, the usual titanium fuelled explosions from the tees being absent. This must have been something of a boost to Richard Drummond, who apparently had been up late, and was very tired. And had a sore head. Mind you, he did cut a dash on the course, the only kilt on show.
The fashions were of the highest quality, and thanks to Alistair Walker of JRS in Perth, the event has been well documented. Also thanks to Mark Pirie for playing the 16 more times than is good for anyone, particularly when money is involved.
Well done to Ron Harriman, Alistair Dingwall and Stephen Carruthers, who are all obviously much older than they look, playing well enough to earn a trip to the Hickory World Championships at Gullane in September, with Mark.
Mike Lang picked up a hickory putter, thanks to the account that he opened at House of Bruar - his problems on the green now surely a distant memory.
Whether the opportunity to play as the game was 100 years ago, or the chance to have a bit of fun, all who took part thoroughly enjoyed it. Many found that they could hit the ball quite well, and that the course had been pleasantly quiet, the usual titanium fuelled explosions from the tees being absent. This must have been something of a boost to Richard Drummond, who apparently had been up late, and was very tired. And had a sore head. Mind you, he did cut a dash on the course, the only kilt on show.
The fashions were of the highest quality, and thanks to Alistair Walker of JRS in Perth, the event has been well documented. Also thanks to Mark Pirie for playing the 16 more times than is good for anyone, particularly when money is involved.
Well done to Ron Harriman, Alistair Dingwall and Stephen Carruthers, who are all obviously much older than they look, playing well enough to earn a trip to the Hickory World Championships at Gullane in September, with Mark.
Mike Lang picked up a hickory putter, thanks to the account that he opened at House of Bruar - his problems on the green now surely a distant memory.
Sunday, 19 April 2009
A busy weekend
See the Club website for news of the Junior festival held over the weekend - well done to Mike Lang, Fiona Seaton and Mark Pirie for co-ordinating an excellent event. There were 42 participants, many of whom are not currently members, so we hope to see some new faces on Monday and Tuesday nights, starting this week.As well as the Saturday Medal, we also had the first of our inter-club matches, against Alyth, on the Sunday. A very enjoyable afternoon was had by all, Pitlochry posting a convincing victory. Particular highlights of my match included partner Bert McKay's unorthodox efforts to escape a bunker on the 4th, involving a header and a poor attempt at a bicycle kick.
Thanks to John, Janine and co in the Clubhouse, for looking after the Juniors and their parents over the weekend, and the excellent meal after the match with Alyth.
I think we all recognised the fantastic condition which the course was in over the weekend - I bumped into Chris on Sunday night and he modestly suggested that it was mainly down to the good weather, but I know that he was out on Saturday and Sunday nights watering the greens, and we can see the work that has gone in over the winter - credit to the green-keeping staff, for this time of year, the course is looking better than it has in a long time.
Tuesday, 31 March 2009
The Opening Match
Well, history was made when the Captain finally beat the Vice in a highly enjoyable start to the season. The mind games failed to pay off as the VC , playing with Campbell Elliot (PGA Pro at Haggs Castle, and guest speaker) , was unable to single-putt the last to match a superb drive and two putt from our own esteemed Pro Mark Pirie.
The day had got off to a fun start with the draw for the tees in the shotgun start - the look on Ken MacDonald's face (and everyone else's) when he selected number 6 (with only one other left in the bag) will live with me for a long time - but he would have his revenge!
The fun continued into the evening with a buffet in the clubhouse, followed by the prizegiving and an entertaining speech by Campbell Elliot - who had clearly been provided with some "local knowledge" during the afternoon's golf...by someone who isn't an amateur? I'll say no more.
Following his trek to the 6th and back, Ken had retained enough puff to entertain the gathering with some tunes on his pipes - advancing bravely from the corridor under a vicious hail of ketchup. By this time, a game of bridge had broken out amongst the Perth lads - clearly playing for charity, they were grateful for the sizeable donation from an anonymous Fincastle man.
It was refreshing to see the clubhouse busy with members - I hope we can recreate that situation repeatedly this season. Please let me know if you have any ideas for other events.
Many thanks to all involved in the organisation, but also to the members who participated and made it the day we hoped it would be - an encouraging start to our centenary season.
The day had got off to a fun start with the draw for the tees in the shotgun start - the look on Ken MacDonald's face (and everyone else's) when he selected number 6 (with only one other left in the bag) will live with me for a long time - but he would have his revenge!
The fun continued into the evening with a buffet in the clubhouse, followed by the prizegiving and an entertaining speech by Campbell Elliot - who had clearly been provided with some "local knowledge" during the afternoon's golf...by someone who isn't an amateur? I'll say no more.
Following his trek to the 6th and back, Ken had retained enough puff to entertain the gathering with some tunes on his pipes - advancing bravely from the corridor under a vicious hail of ketchup. By this time, a game of bridge had broken out amongst the Perth lads - clearly playing for charity, they were grateful for the sizeable donation from an anonymous Fincastle man.
It was refreshing to see the clubhouse busy with members - I hope we can recreate that situation repeatedly this season. Please let me know if you have any ideas for other events.
Many thanks to all involved in the organisation, but also to the members who participated and made it the day we hoped it would be - an encouraging start to our centenary season.
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