Match report - Panmure Golf Club vs Dun Whinny
Dun Whinny Fall Short as Panmure Prevail in Friendly Links Contest
Dun Whinny’s club match against Panmure Golf Club was played in fine sporting spirit, although the visitors’ considerable experience of links golf ultimately proved decisive.
With the Dun Whinny Vice Captain sidelined through injury—get well soon, Vice!—this golf correspondent had the honour, and considerable responsibility, of stepping into the captain’s role for the day.
Despite blustery conditions and morning showers, the Dun Whinny team received a warm welcome from Panmure captain Jim Wallace and his players. Following a splendid lunch, both sides were ready for the afternoon’s matches, with this correspondent also granted the honour of striking the opening tee shot.
Sadly, the first drive was not quite the statement of intent intended. A farmer owns the field next to the first fairway, and this correspondent duly added another ball to what must be an already impressive collection. Fortunately, playing partner David McLeod found the fairway with considerable style, restoring a measure of dignity to the pairing.
The opening match developed into a close and thoroughly competitive affair. Dun Whinny were two holes up with four to play and appeared to be in an excellent position. Panmure’s Jim and Grant, however, had other ideas. The pair produced consecutive birdies on the 15th and 16th, swinging the momentum back in their favour and ensuring that the match finished all square.
That result was a fair reflection of the contest as a whole: closely fought, courteous and respectful throughout.
Panmure’s history—being founded in 1845—means that its members possess rather more experience of links golf than their Dun Whinny counterparts, and that experience began to tell in the remaining matches. Panmure won four of the next five encounters, leaving Dun Whinny with just one victory to celebrate.
That victory came courtesy of Scott Jack and Gordon Colborn, who produced the standout performance for the home side and provided the principal high point of the afternoon.
The final score was:
Panmure Golf Club 4½ – 1½ Dun Whinny
Congratulations to Jim Wallace and his Panmure team on a deserved victory. The matches were played in an exceptionally friendly manner, and Dun Whinny will look forward to welcoming Panmure to Gleneagles next year, when the opportunity for a little revenge will present itself.
As for this golf correspondent, the next engagement is rather less comfortable: an explanation to the Vice Captain as to how, despite taking over the captaincy, the team failed to secure at least a tie.