Captain’s Prize. Queen’s. Yellow Tee. Stableford. Sat Sept 13th.
🦅 Captain’s Prize Draw – Who Will Tame the Queen’s This Year?
The field is set for this Saturday’s Captain’s Prize on the Queen’s Course, one of the most eagerly awaited dates in the Dun Whinny golfing calendar. With the historic Brass Eagle on the line, the draw promises intrigue, stories, and — if history is anything to go by — the odd tale of lost balls in places even the greenkeepers didn’t know existed.
🔎 Ones to Watch from the Draw
7:50AM – Bill Sexton
Last year’s early pacemaker, setting 34 points, and a player who likes to come fast out the blocks. If the putter is warm, Sexton could once again be the bar-setter for the morning field.
8:00AM – Billy Z. McNeill
Perennial contender. He chased Douglas Hamilton all the way to the finish line last year and has already bagged silverware this season. The Queen’s suits his eye — if anyone is due to trade the bridesmaid’s bouquet for the Brass Eagle, it’s McNeill.
8:20AM – Keith Stirling
One of the most consistent scorers in club competitions. Paired with seasoned campaigners Rob Simpson and Crawford Gray, this could be a quietly productive group where Stirling makes his move.
8:30AM – Douglas Hamilton
The man, the myth, the Queen’s specialist. Last year’s winner with 39 points, Hamilton has a knack for making this course his Playground. He won’t need reminding that only a “repeat champion” would cement his legend (and annoy his handicap secretary).
8:50AM – David Watt
Put himself in contention last year with a strong finish. He thrives on the Queen’s short par-4s and with his natural flair, he could post a score that keeps Hamilton and McNeill sweating in the bar again.
9:00AM – Kevin Beattie
A solid 35-pointer last year, though remembered more for his “230-yard fairway spray” on the 7th. If he keeps it straight (a big if), Beattie has the chops to win. If not, the gallery may want to watch from behind a tree.
9:10AM – Sandy Grant
A wily competitor who knows how to build a steady score without fuss. If the others falter, Grant’s patient game could bring him right into the mix.
9:20AM – Michael Cantlay
The Cantlay name is red-hot after Alastair’s heroics in the Stroke Play Championship. Michael will tee it up in the final group, and don’t be surprised if family pride fuels a deep run at the eagle.
📝 Correspondent’s Verdict
Favourite: Douglas Hamilton – History is on his side, and the Queen’s course is quite simply his stage.
Challenger-in-chief: Billy Z. McNeill – forever the bridesmaid last year, but playing too well this season to ignore.
The Dark Horse: David Watt – capable of going low on Stableford days.
The Entertainer Award: Kevin Beattie – if he’s not winning, he’s at least giving us a story for the report.
Final Word
The beauty of the Captain’s Prize is its inclusivity — one hot putter or a burst of form and any member can lift the eagle. Tradition, tension, and a healthy sprinkling of humour; the Queen’s Course will once again test patience and precision in equal measure.
By Saturday evening, the clubhouse will ring with stories — but only one pair of hands will raise the Brass Eagle.
My money? If Hamilton doesn’t repeat, then McNeill takes the glory.
Anyone interested in entering, please contact Iain or myself.
Taz
