Result - Charity Medal. PGA. Sat 11th July.
Charity 4-Ball Better Ball – A Wonderful Day for a Worthy Cause
Saturday’s annual Charity 4-Ball Better Ball was a fine reminder that, while Dun Whinny members are always happy to compete fiercely for a scorecard, golf is at its best when it brings people together for something bigger than the game itself.
The blind-pairing format added its usual element of intrigue. Every player had to post their own Stableford score, then discover whether their unseen partner had been quietly collecting points or inventing fresh ways to test the PGA’s hazards. In the end, the leading combinations produced some excellent golf.
Congratulations to Craig Scott and Billy Z McNeill, who took first place with an outstanding 63 points. A score of that quality requires contribution from both players, good decision-making and, no doubt, a timely putt or two when it mattered. They were worthy winners of a competitive field.
Second place went to Rob Simpson and Mike Collier with a fine 61 points, while Frank Johnson and Tariq Ali completed the podium in third on 60 points. With only three points covering the leading three teams, it was a close-run affair and proof that the blind draw produced plenty of competitive interest.
However, the real success of the day was the generosity shown by everyone involved. Thanks to the contributions of members, a tremendous £1,190 was raised on the day. With 33 playing members and the club matching their £20 donations—adding a further £660—the final amount to be donated is an outstanding £1,850.
As winners, Craig and Billy have chosen Andysmanclub as the beneficiary. The charity provides free, peer-to-peer support groups for men across the United Kingdom and online, with a local office in Perth and sessions held at Gleneagles. Its work in suicide prevention is vitally important, offering men a safe and supportive place to talk, listen and realise they are not alone.
The decision is a thoughtful and fitting one, ensuring that the money raised by the Dun Whinny membership will support a cause that has a genuine and direct impact in our local community.
Warm congratulations once again to Craig Scott and Billy Z McNeill on their winning score, and sincere thanks to every member who played, donated, helped organise the event or contributed despite being unable to take part. The golf may have produced its usual mix of birdies, blobs and selective recollections, but the collective generosity of the club is something of which everyone can be extremely proud.