Bruntsfield Links vs Dun Whinny
Some of Dun Whinny’s finest (is there a word missing here?) travelled to Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society on Sunday – the fourth oldest golf club in the world. We arrived to be greeted by some light rain and mainly dark clouds with occasional bright sunshine and a blustery wind. Two years ago we lost by the narrowest of margins, the teams had tied last season and hopefully therefore the stage was set for Dun Whinny to recapture the “trophy” (which in fact does not exist!). After a fine lunch the combatants headed to the first tee – a rather daunting 420 yards slightly uphill into a two club wind!
By some vagaries of scheduling the two captains for the day found themselves in match number 2. Captain (for the day) Neil Lock and his trusty partner Aidan O’Carroll might perhaps have been better heading out another 45 minutes later as they didn’t start playing until hole 6 after which they found themselves 5 down. A magnificent rally saw them lose no more holes…. but only win one! One match down. 0-1.
The only benefit of playing second was that it afforded the opportunity to watch the two Pauls Kelly/Lewis partnership perform impeccably and close out victory on the 17th green. Much better. 1-1.
And so we adjourned to the clubhouse bar and its incredible views over the Firth of Forth. This was a chance to try and interpret body language of each player as the four remaining matches played out the 18th. As it turned out we would have been better off just drinking beer, ignoring the play and admiring the view as every match had finished before the 18th anyway.
Our third pairing was very strong - both players being familiar with the course layout. Keith Stirling had met an old friend at the club who he described as someone who talks a lot……. hmmmm this raised a few eyebrows….pot … kettle?! He joined as a spectator for the first few holes. Whatever distraction this caused to the opposition will never be known but it did allow his partner Ken Swa to complete the course in 81 stokes (a net 60!!). Very well played sir and a separate note is winging its way to the handicap secretary. No surprise we were back ahead 2-1.
A tactical change in the fourth pairing brought Cantlay senior in for junior with the formidable Jonathan Fletcher as partner. I had this down as a certain point and was proved totally incorrect. 2-2.
Just as the prospect of a possible team loss began to formulate it was extinguished by a resounding 4&3 victory for the Devine/Yule pairing. Largest winning margin of the day (ok joint largest for those paying attention). 3-2.
The Decider! Dun Whinny new member David Bowles and one of our greatest ambassadors (other words are available) Mr Eric Lambert were heading homewards with the overall match outcome in their hands - even if they didn’t know it. Despite being up in the match well into the back nine they could not hold on and went down valiantly 2&1.
Match Result 3-3. Bruntsfield Golfing Society retain the trophy.
Closer than either the Irish Open or Solheim Cup, it was a pleasure to take part in this event and our warmest thanks and congratulations go to captain Euan Parker (I know he closely follows our website!) and his Bruntsfield colleagues for their hospitality and good play - we look to reciprocate in kind at Gleneagles in 2025.
Report By Neil Lock