Draw - Crawford Rosebowl. Queen’s. Sat 18th April
This Saturday sees the playing of the Crawford Rosebowl over the Queen’s course—one of the more deceptively demanding formats in the Dun Whinny calendar. Presented by Jim Crawford, the trophy itself is a magnificent engraved Rose Bowl, and while it may look elegant on the shelf, earning the right to hold it is anything but straightforward.
The Format – You vs The Course
This is matchplay against the course from the Yellow Tees—and the course, it should be noted, is a ruthless opponent.
The course always makes par
The course never gives putts
And the course, unlike your regular playing partners, shows absolutely no sympathy
Your task is simple in theory: finish the round as many holes up as possible (or at least less down than everyone else). In practice, it’s a battle of discipline and damage limitation. Think Stableford in your approach—pick up when the hole is gone, move on, and avoid compounding mistakes.
Preferred lies remain in play, though even that small mercy may not feel like much when the Queen’s starts asking difficult questions.
The Draw – Ones to Watch
8:00 – Lock / Cooper / Williamson
A solid opening group. Neil Lock, a man who knows how to win awkward trophies and past winner, could thrive in this format, while Scott Williamson has the steady temperament required to grind out a result.8:10 – Kinnear / McNeill / Dickson
All eyes on Billy Z McNeill, who continues to carry momentum—and expectation. Alongside him, Kevin Dickson has the game to quietly accumulate holes won without fuss.8:20 – Lambert / Crockart / McLeod
Eric Lambert will be hoping for a quieter morning than some recent outings, though in this format even the Highway Code won’t save you from a poor tee shot. Crockart’s consistency could be key here.8:30 – Page / Bilsland / Gray
Ian Bilsland, fresh from recent success, looks well equipped for this test. If he keeps things tidy, he’ll be difficult to beat.8:40 – Logie / Marshall / Black
A heavyweight trio. David Logie sets the standard as ever, but Ken Marshall has been knocking loudly on the door all season. And then there’s Alan Black—capable of brilliance, unpredictability, and occasionally both on the same hole.8:50 – Dickson / Murphy / Kelly
Paul Kelly, fresh off a recent win, arrives in form. If confidence translates into early momentum, he could post a strong “against the course” number.9:00 – Moran / Wadsworth / Simpson
A group full of experience, especially with last year’s winner, Paul Wadsworth. Tony Moran in particular has the sort of steady, no-nonsense game that suits this format perfectly.9:10 – Sexton / Abercrombie / Stewart
Bill Sexton remains a constant threat. If he gets into rhythm, the course may find itself under unexpected pressure.9:20 – Wallace / Stewart / Cantlay
Vice Captain Michael Cantlay continues his strong run of form and will fancy his chances of putting together another solid score.9:30 – Beattie / Fletcher / Grant
Professor Fletcher is quietly becoming one of the most reliable performers in the field. Expect minimal fuss and a competitive return.9:40 – Watt / Penman / Wallace / Aitchison
A lively closing group, with “Lord” Watt always capable of providing both entertainment and the occasional moment of quality. Iain Aitchison will be looking to turn recent strong form into silverware.
Final Thoughts
The Crawford Rosebowl is rarely about spectacular golf. It is about staying in the fight, hole after hole, against an opponent that never falters. Those who keep mistakes off the card and take their chances when they come will rise to the top.
In Memoriam: David Frame
This weekend’s competition carries a profound sense of poignancy following the sudden and heartbreaking passing of David Frame earlier this week. The news has sent a shockwave through the club, leaving a void that will be felt far beyond the confines of the fairways.
David was, in every sense of the word, a true gentleman. A very capable golfer who competed with both skill and humility, he carried himself with a quiet dignity and a warmth that earned him the respect and friendship of all who played alongside him. Whether in the heat of a tight match or enjoying a post-round story in the clubhouse, David was a presence that simply made Dun Whinny a better place to be.
As we compete for the Crawford Rosebowl this Saturday, the flags will fly a little lower and the atmosphere will be a little more subdued. While the game continues, our thoughts are firmly with David’s family and friends during this immensely difficult time. He was a pillar of our club community, a man who reflected the very best values of the game, and he will be deeply and sincerely missed.
Taz
