Match Report - Dun Whinny GC vs Glasgow Golf Club. 7th June. Killermont
Dun Whinny Golf Club Battle to Honours Even at Killermont
Dun Whinny Golf Club travelled to the historic Killermont course of Glasgow Golf Club for what proved to be a closely contested and thoroughly enjoyable encounter, played in typically Scottish conditions. A gloomy sky hung over the course for much of the day, with occasional rain showers sweeping across the fairways, but the conditions underfoot remained excellent and the greens ran true throughout, providing a stern but fair test for both sides.
Leading the charge for Dun Whinny was captain for the day and your correspondent, Taz, partnered by the ever-generous Al Cantlay. Unfortunately, the number of shots being received by the opposition proved too much to overcome, with the opening match ending in a 3&2 defeat. There was, however, a personal highlight for the skipper, who rolled in a fine birdie at the 13th hole to briefly lift spirits.
The second match saw Scott Williamson and Alan Penman take to the course. Despite battling hard throughout, they found themselves on the wrong side of a closely fought contest, eventually succumbing 2&1.
Dun Whinny's first point of the day arrived courtesy of the dependable pairing of Professor Jonathon Fletcher and Scott Jack. Producing a composed and disciplined performance, they secured a well-deserved 2&1 victory to get the visitors on the scoreboard.
Expectations were high for the much-vaunted "Dream Team" of Iain Aitchison and Ewan Kinnear. Renowned for their prodigious length from the tee, they arrived with considerable fanfare. However, golf can be a cruel game, and the big-hitting duo failed to live up to their billing on this occasion, suffering a disappointing 4&3 defeat.
The fifth match produced one of the most spirited performances of the day. Andy McGill and Gordon Colburn found themselves trailing for much of the contest but refused to surrender. Their persistence was rewarded as they completed a remarkable turnaround to snatch a hard-fought 1-up victory on the final hole.
Yet the performance of the day belonged emphatically to the anchor pairing of Ross MacNish and Paul Kelly. In a display of relentless golf, they dismantled their opponents from the outset and had the match wrapped up on the 11th green with a stunning 8&7 victory. Such was their dominance that the winning margin could easily have been recorded as 9&7, but in a fine gesture of sportsmanship they generously conceded a six-foot putt to halve the hole before sealing the result. It was a performance that will live long in Dun Whinny folklore.
When the scores were totalled, the honours were shared, with the overall match finishing all square. Given the competitive nature of the contest and the quality of golf on display, a halved match felt a fitting outcome.
Dun Whinny Golf Club would like to extend its sincere thanks to Glasgow Golf Club for their warm hospitality. The match was played in an excellent spirit throughout, reflecting the very best traditions of the game, and was rounded off perfectly with a superb meal provided by the catering staff. A thoroughly enjoyable day both on and off the course.
Taz