On Sunday, 14th June, eight members of the Old Glenalmond Golfing Society met at Prestwick GC for a triangular match against the Old Lorettonian Golfing Society and the Old Merchistonian Golf Club.
Having gathered in the impressive new Cardinal Restaurant for breakfast and the eagerly anticipated pairings announcements, twenty-four golfers headed out for the morning matches in perfect links golf conditions and onto a very well-presented golf course.
Sadly, Glenalmond were to lose three of the four morning matches to both Loretto and Merchiston, with only the pairing of Graeme Russell and John Davies recording wins [by 5 holes vs Loretto & by 2 holes vs Merchiston]. As we sat for what would be the customary excellent lunch in the Prestwick dining room, we found ourselves a combined 10 holes down to Loretto and 8 holes down to Merchiston [For those interested, Merchiston were four holes up against Loretto].
Obviously keen to avenge their defeat last year, Loretto brought in two single-figure handicap golfers for the afternoon matches. With rejigged pairings to ensure everyone had a chance to play with a new partner, the OG team set out to stage a valiant comeback.
The first pairing of Jim Gully and Brian Richmond lost to Loretto by 1 hole and beat Merchiston by 1 hole. The second pairing of Mike Clarke and the Secretary, Ruaraidh Stewart, beat Loretto by 1 hole and finished all-square with Merchiston. In the third match, John Davies and Graham Stewart lost to Loretto by 2 holes, whilst securing a comprehensive 4-hole victory over Merchiston. The final pairing of Gerald Burnett and Graeme Russell lost by 2 holes to Loretto whilst securing a 1-hole victory over Merchiston.
Despite a sterling effort from each OG pairing, we were unable to overcome the large deficits at lunch and ended up losing to Loretto (by 14 holes) and Merchiston (by 2 holes). The replacements for Loretto were able to help overturn the morning result and secure a win against Merchiston, thereby emerging overall winners.
Thank you to all the OG Golfing Society members who travelled to Prestwick to support this fixture, and thank you to Prestwick Golf Club for your warm welcome and excellent hospitality.
Graeme Russell
