Captain/Pro Challenge 2025
Round 3 - June 20th
With the first two matches of the Captain-Pro Challenge series having taken place over the PGA Centenary Course, June's fixture moved to the Queens Course, played from the yellow tees.
Taking on the challenge this month were Stewart Miller and David Cuthbert, providing formidable opposition and plenty of good-natured competition. The round was full of laughs, camaraderie, and flashes of quality golf—though, as ever, a few frustrating shots crept in to keep things honest.
With AJ and I having secured victories in the opening two matches, the pressure was on to keep the unbeaten run alive. This time, however, things were much tighter.
Throughout the match, the lead see-sawed: we’d edge ahead by one, only for Stewart and Dave to square things up again—this pattern repeating right up to the 17th. Heading to the final hole, we were one up, but it looked likely to go to the wire when Stewart made a fantastic net birdie (4 for 3). That left me facing an 8- to 9-foot putt to tie the hole and clinch the win.
Given my putting woes throughout the round, few—myself included—expected the ball to drop. But in it went, sealing a dramatic half on 18 and preserving our unbeaten streak.
Round Highlights:
Stewart Miller: Consistently sharp with his approach play, highlighted by a superb tee shot on 14 that finished just short of pin-high on the upper tier, followed by a smooth putt for a 2.
David Cuthbert: Showed great touch on the greens, with clutch putts on 11 and 12 and an impressive net 2 on 14.
AJ: Delivered a memorable birdie on the 9th, holing out from off the green with his putter from at least 25 feet.
Once again, the match was played in great spirit, and we're delighted to report that donations continue to come in, with a healthy total raised so far across the three matches for CHAS.
Next Up:
AJ and I move to the King’s Course on Sunday, 6th July, to face our next challengers: Ryan Longmuir and David Frame.
But before that, we’ll find ourselves on opposing sides this Wednesday, as Dun Whinny take on the Gleneagles Professionals in our rescheduled annual match. A great week of golf ahead!
And finally...
Best of luck to everyone competing in the Club Championship and Millennium Match Play events this weekend. Play well, enjoy it, and may the best golfers win!
Daley Smith