1st Match - Captain/Pro Challenge Match Report (23rd April 2025)

From left to right Andrew Jowett, Keith Stirling, Iain Aitchison & Daley Smith

I’m pleased to share an update from the first Captain/Pro Challenge of the year, which took place on the PGA Centenary Course on the morning of Wednesday 23rd April 2025.

Stepping up as the opening challengers were the formidable duo of Keith Stirling and Iain Aitchison.

As we made our way down the first fairway, Keith suddenly realised something was amiss – he’d forgotten his signature “lucky” white cap, a rare sight indeed for those familiar with his usual on-course attire. He joked that this might be a bad omen for the round.

Despite the missing hat, Keith produced some superb approach shots throughout the match – the highlight being on the very first hole, setting up a birdie start. While we may not often see Keith without his trademark cap, don’t be surprised if it’s off during his approach shots going forward – they were that accurate!

The match itself was evenly contested, with the opening holes tightly fought. Things remained all square until the third, when AJ and I managed to go 1 up, capitalising on both opponents finding the sand off the tee. Our lead was short-lived though, as Keith responded immediately with a net birdie on the par-3 4th to bring it back to level.

This back-and-forth continued throughout the round, with AJ and me edging ahead only for Keith and Iain to draw level time and again. We briefly went 2 up on the 11th, thanks to a fine birdie from AJ, but true to form, the challengers clawed back the deficit by winning 12 and 13 to square the match once more.

Then came a moment of brilliance on the 14th, when AJ hit a fantastic tee shot onto the green and holed the putt for eagle, nudging us back into the lead.

That eagle proved to be the turning point. We halved the 15th and won the 16th, putting us 2 up with just two to play.

All four of us hit solid tee shots on the 17th, but with my par secured after the first putt, the challengers conceded the hole, knowing they could no longer win it – and with that, the match was decided.

A cracking way to kick off the series, with some great golf and good company all round. Thanks again to Keith and Iain for making it such an enjoyable round and to my parter AJ who was an absolute pleasure to play with.

The next match takes place on Sunday 18th May against Paul Lewis & Ken Marshall.