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.

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.

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.

A warm welcome for the beginning of the season!

Well, as Pitlochry Golf Club passes its first 100 years, its a great honour for me to serve as the Centenary Captain. There is a fantastic calendar of events planned this year and I urge all members to partake in the range of celebrations on offer.

Early highlights include:

The Hickory Challenge, on Saturday 25th April - we have hired 80 sets of Hickory clubs in order to host an event akin to the golfing conditions of 100 years ago. Of course things won't exactly be the same, but this is sure to provide a fresh challenge to us all. Please dress accordingly.

The Grand Match, on Sunday 17th May - each club with whom we traditionally play matches will be sending a team of 6, each matched with a team from Pitlochry in a better-ball aggregate competition - all the invitees are coming (as well as a team of hand-picked professionals), so we need 78 members on the day! Members enjoy free entry to the competition, with food before and after the game.

The Centenary Celebration Weekend - where as well as a number of golf competitions, we will celebrate our 100th birthday with a Ceilidh at the Atholl Palace on the evening of Friday 5th June. Tickets are limited so please reserve yours in good time. The Saturday sees the Centenary trophies and medals contested for the first time, followed by a bbq and evening of fun in the clubhouse - why not stay over at the Atholl Palace for a night or two, with accommodation prices for the weekend heavily discounted for members attending the functions - contact the hotel direct, or there are booking forms in the clubhouse.

For a full diary of events see http://www.thepitlochrygolfclub.com/calendar.asp

Best wishes
The Captain