Dun Whinny Golf Club — 2026 Roll of Winners
To qualify for this weekend's prestigious Medals Final, members must have triumphed in an official club fixture over the course of the 2026 campaign, putting both the Scratch and Handicap honours squarely on the line.
Clashes of the Titans: The 2026 Medals Final Preview
The qualifying rounds are closed, the silverware has been polished, and the door to the winner's enclosure has firmly clicked shut. This weekend, the elite roll of Dun Whinny’s 2026 champions assemble on the King’s Course for the ultimate showdown: the Medals Final, where seasonal winners compete head-to-head for the coveted Scratch and Handicap prizes.
Looking at the roll of honour, the battle lines are drawn across several compelling storylines.
The Heavyweights: Higham, Collier, Cooper, and the Z-Factor
Sharing top billing at the summit of the winners' board with an extraordinary four victories apiece are Mark Higham and Michael Collier. Higham has been in blistering form all autumn, highlighted by his sensational 77 gross (69 net) over the King’s in the Autumn Meeting. Whether carving 3-woods or peppering flags, Mark starts as a fearsome dual threat for both the Scratch and Handicap crowns.
Alongside him sits Collier, who famously subdued a howling gale to claim the Captain's Prize on the Queen’s and anchored his campaign with a season-low net 66 in the Spring. If Collier keeps his tee shots safely away from stray trolleys, his match-winning pedigree makes him an obvious frontrunner.
Lurking just behind on three wins is Jon Cooper, fresh off an imperious 38-point Stableford triumph on the Queen’s where he famously channeled his Premier League frustrations into three sublime birdies. Playing off a razor-sharp handicap, Cooper will carry serious backing in the scratch contest.
And then, of course, there is Billy Z McNeill (also on three victories). Now equipped with upgraded vision and having systematically dismantled his double-digit scores on the King's outward nine, Billy Z has the firepower to blow any field apart when the flatstick catches fire.
The Silverware Specialists and Match-Play Royalty
Never discount the metronomic consistency of Ken Marshall, who arrives with the Championship Cup and Duncrub Trophy already tucked under his arm, or Colin Campbell, our reigning Strokeplay double champion. When the pressure peaks on the back nine of the King's, both men know exactly how to close out a card.
Meanwhile, low-handicap stalwarts like David McColgan (+0.9), Mark Nicolson, and Rob Crockart (two wins) possess the pedigree to turn the scratch contest into an exhibition if they catch a hot streak.
Singles Matchplay Glory: Stirling Edges Kelly in a Classic
Away from the medal preparations, the club extends its heartiest congratulations to Keith Stirling, who has officially been crowned the 2026 Singles Matchplay Champion after a titanic final battle against Paul Kelly.
The Singles Matchplay is golf at its most unforgiving—eighteen holes of tactical warfare, shifting momentum, and solitary nerve. In a contest that tested every ounce of resolve, Stirling produced trademark composure down the stretch to edge out a gallant Kelly and etch his name onto the match-play honours board.
Commiserations go to Paul, who fought valiantly to the final green, and warmest congratulations to Keith on a magnificent, hard-earned triumph!
The Champions Assemble: Medals Final Draw on the King’s
The stage is set for Saturday, 3rd October, as the roll of 2026 winners assemble over the King’s Course for the ultimate seasonal showdown: the Medals Final. With both the Scratch and Handicap crowns up for grabs, the draw has thrown together a heavyweight lineup of this year’s titleholders.
2026 Qualifiers in Action: Group-by-Group
8:00 AM — The Four-Time Victor & The Premier League Purist:
The morning opens with a marquee pairing of qualified champions. Mark Higham, joint-top of the 2026 winners' board with 4 titles and fresh off his stunning gross 77 at the Autumn Meeting, tees off alongside Jon Cooper (3 wins this season). If Cooper can replicate the flawless ball-striking that claimed the Queen's Stableford a week ago, this pairing will set a blistering benchmark for both the scratch and net prizes.8:10 AM — Collier & Crockart:
Co-leader of the 2026 roll of honours Michael Collier (4 wins, including the Captain’s Prize) launches his bid alongside fellow qualifier Rob Crockart (2 wins) and Michael Page (1 win). Collier’s match temperament under tough King's conditions makes him an immediate danger, while Crockart’s metronomic accuracy gives this three-ball immense pedigree.8:20 AM — Form & Firepower:
Rob Simpson (1 win) and Yellow Tee winner Steven Smart (1 win) are joined by Tom MacKenzie (1 win), whose battling podium finish in the Autumn Meeting proved his game is purring at the right time.8:30 AM — The Dual Champion & The Z-Factor:
A blockbuster three-ball featuring Vice Captain Michael Cantlay (1 win), newly crowned Championship Cup and Duncrub Trophy double-winner Ken Marshall (1 win), and Billy Z McNeill (3 wins). With Ken's unmatched consistency and Billy Z armed with newly upgraded vision, this group carries serious firepower for both the handicap and scratch silverware.8:40 AM — Knockout Kings & Trophy Winners:
Scott Jack (1 win) and Tony Stewart (1 win) line up alongside Keith Stirling (1 win), who arrives full of swagger having just captured the 2026 Singles Matchplay Championship against Paul Kelly.8:50 AM — The Autumn Stars:
Paul Wadsworth (1 win), freshly minted Summer Foursomes Champion Allister Wallace (1 win, coming off that inspired Autumn net 68), and Ian Fisher (1 win) make up a dangerous trio capable of posting low net figures.
With the morning wave packed with this season’s finest performers, the 2026 Medals Final promises high drama from the opening tee shot to the final putt on the 18th. Play well, champions!
Taz