The Old Glenalmond Golfing Society was treated to another excellent weekend at Elie. The weather was bright, if breezy and occasionally chilly, and despite the greens having recently been sanded the course was in its usual excellent state.
On the course, Saturday afternoon for the main trophies brought slightly stronger winds, so scoring was not easy. In the Ladies Trophy, Fi Skinner managed to retain the trophy, although there was some competition for her this year. The Veterans and the Neishes (handicap) had the same top three, but due to the oddities of the handicapping system for the veterans, where “young” veterans (less than 60, but older than 50) only get 3/4 of their handicap. Jamie Skinner and outgoing captain Brian Richmond shared 2nd and 3rd spots, but the double went to past-Captain Harry Morgan, with a net 71 in both competitions.
In the Boyes (scratch) it proved to be the closest of affairs. At the turn, there were 5 players all out in 2 over par, but from the turn the field spread a little. In the front group, Jim Patrick was leading David Rennie by a stroke, but a long birdie putt from David (more on that later) and a 3-putt from Jim led to a two shot swing, with David finishing on 78 and Jim on 79. In a group behind, Niall Watson also finished with a 78, providing a 2-way tie at the top. In this circumstance, we go to countback. First, you start with a better inward half. But (as you will have figured out already), they had the same score on the back 9. Then we went to the last 6 holes, but again, they had the same score. I have never seen this before, but after the last 6, we go to the last 3. Again, they could not be separated. At this point the Hon Sec is frantically looking for various rule books to see what happens next. The answer is you see who did best on the last hole. David’s long birdie putt on the last proved vital, as Niall had only parred the final hole, so David was declared the winner
On Sunday morning, for the Stocks Trophy, scoring was much better, with 37 stableford points only good enough for 3rd place. Outgoing captain Brian pipped incoming captain Stephen Titterington on countback. For the top spot it was a real shootout, with David Rennie scoring a gross 70 for 39 points, but this was bettered by David Primrose’s gross 68 scoring 40 points. This was a perfect way for David to finish his 6 week trip to Scotland, and he is probably on a plane back to Australia as you read this.
As usual, we were pleased to have 4 pupils joining us for some golf on Sunday morning. It was great to see Andy Todd back, and his four charges, three of whom were German exchange students, enjoyed their rounds, although perhaps they were somewhat unfamiliar with links conditions!
The dinner was another excellent affair, although somewhat unusually, following the Loyal Toast, the TV was turned on to see the end of the rugby world cup match. I was delighted that several new members attended their first dinner, and it was also the first dinner for the new Warden Mark Mortimer, who spoke well about his first 9 months at the College. We were treated to two excellent speeches, first from Robin McNaught who toasted the society, and then from incoming Captain Stephen Titterington.
Another email will follow with an update on the AGM, with news on the new website and changes to the annual subs (please read and follow any required actions from that please) so do look out for that.
| BOYES TROPHY (Scratch) | Name | Score | |
| Winner | David Rennie | 78 | Best Last Hole |
| Runner-Up | Niall Watson | 78 | |
| 3rd Place | Jim Patrick | 79 | |
| NEISHES TROPHY (H’Cap) | Name | Score | Hcap |
| Winner | Harry Morgan | 71 | 14 |
| Runner-Up | Brian Richmond | 71 | 9 |
| 3rd Place | Jamie Skinner | 73 | 11 |
| VETERAN’S TROPHY (H’Cap) | Name | Score | Hcap |
| Winner | Harry Morgan | 71 | 14 |
| Runner-Up | Jamie Skinner | 73 | 11 |
| 3rd Place | Brian Richmond | 73.25 | 6.75 |
| LADIES TROPHY (Stableford) | Name | Score | Hcap |
| Winner | Fi Skinner | 35 | 27 |
| Runner-Up | Kirsty Burnett | 19 | 27 |
| STOCKS TROPHY (Stableford) | Name | Points | Hcap |
| Winner | David Primrose | 40 | 2 |
| Runner-Up | David Rennie | 39 | 3 |
| 3rd Place | Brian Richmond | 37 | 9 |
| BOYS STABLEFORD | Name | Points | Hcap |
| Winner | Benno | 21 | 12 |
| Runner-Up | Rory | 13 | 30 |
| 3rd Place | Damien | 32 | 39 |
| GIRLS STABLEFORD | Name | Points | Hcap |
| Winner | Madeleine | 40 | 23 |
