Strokeplay Round 3. King’s. White tees. Sat 5th Aug.

Dun Whinny Strokeplay Championship: The Stage is Set for Saturday’s King’s Course Finale

White tees on the King’s. Silverware steeped in four decades of club history. Will Colin Campbell cruise home, or will the pack pounce?

Twelve months ago, Alastair Cantlay staged a clean sweep of the silverware, walking off with both the Gross and Net Strokeplay Trophies in an exhibition of golfing supremacy. This year, the script is wide open, the drama is simmering, and the 2026 Strokeplay Championship heads into its deciding chapter this Saturday over the formidable King’s Course from the white tees.

Four Decades of Heritage: The Story of the Strokeplay Championship

Before looking ahead to Saturday’s showdown, it is worth reflecting on the rich heritage of this prestigious fixture.

The Strokeplay Trophy was first awarded in 1984. In late 1983, there was lively discussion at Council about changing the format of the historic Championship Cup—the original trophy of the Club. However, it was crystal clear from the council minutes that altering the club’s founding prize was not welcome. The inspired compromise was the purchase of a brand-new trophy: the Strokeplay Trophy.

Originally, the competition was contested as a four-round medal marathon spanning four consecutive months—two rounds on the King’s and two on the Queen’s—with the best 72-hole net aggregate declared the champion.

Following the construction and arrival of the PGA Centenary Course, the modern format evolved into its current three-course ultimate test: one round on the PGA, one on the Queen’s, and the grand finale on the King’s, testing every club in the bag across Gleneagles' championship trio.

In 2020, then Club Captain Andy Lothian elevated the competition further by generously donating a magnificent Gross Score Trophy, creating the dual gross-and-net battle we contest today.

The State of Play: Rounds 1 & 2 Aggregates

With the demanding PGA Centenary in Round 1 and the deceptive Queen’s Course in Round 2 now behind us, the 36-hole aggregates reveal a fascinating battle across both divisions.

🏆 Gross Championship Leaderboard

Colin Campbell has set the gold standard so far, backing up an opening 82 on the PGA with a superb 77 on Queen’s. Holding a commanding seven-shot cushion over Ken Marshall (166), Campbell has one hand firmly on the Gross Trophy. However, the King’s Course off the whites has ruined many a coronation. Mark Higham and Rob Crockart (both on 169) remain within striking distance should the leader stumble in the heather.

🏆 Net Championship Leaderboard

While Campbell commands the Gross, the race for the 1984 Strokeplay Net Trophy is a dogfight. Patrick Elsmie sits perched at the summit on a brilliant 142 (-2 net total), courtesy of a sparkling net 69 on Queen’s. Breathing down his neck just two shots adrift is the metronomic Rob Crockart (144), who has posted back-to-back 72s.

A single shot further back lies a dangerous chasing pack on 145: Billy Z McNeill (seeking more silverware to accompany his sombrero), Blue Tee Scramble victor Michael Collier, and the ever-present Colin Campbell, who is quietly chasing a double of his own.

Yellow Tee Stableford: Action for All on Saturday

For those members who did not complete the first two qualifying rounds or are not competing in the final round of the Strokeplay Championship, fear not: you will not be left kicking your heels on the practice ground.

A Yellow Tee Stableford competition will run concurrently on Saturday over the King’s Course. It promises to be a fantastic day of competitive golf in genial conditions. Entries are open now—simply log on to the Scottish Golf App and book your spot in the draw.

The Final Verdict: Who Triumphs on the King's?

The King’s Course off the whites is a proper championship examination: deep bunkers, hanging lies, and greens that require the touch of a surgeon. Campbell holds the keys to the Gross kingdom, but in the Net division, five players are separated by just three shots.

Polish your spikes, steady your nerves, and let us see whose names will be etched into Dun Whinny folklore alongside the champions of the past forty-two years. See you on the 1st tee this Saturday!