Preview: The Muirfield Salver 2025 – Dundonald Links. 30th August.
Saturday 30th August 2025
Tomorrow, the travelling circus of Dun Whinny descends upon Dundonald Links for one of the season’s most anticipated away fixtures — the Muirfield Salver. While the title nods east towards Gullane, the action is once again on Ayrshire’s coastal turf, where the wind, the heather, and Dundonald’s notorious greens will test every aspect of a player’s game.
Looking Back – The 2024 Chapter
Last year’s Salver delivered a mix of high drama and gentle schadenfreude. Alan Black arrived in search of a historic third straight win but was undone by Dundonald’s brutal run of holes, leaving the stage clear for a new champion. Early sparks flew from Tony Moran, Rob Simpson, and Ken Marshall — all posting 34 points for a share of 4th.
Former Captain David McLeod claimed third with 35 points after a costly stumble down the last, while Treasurer Aidan O’Carroll earned runner‑up honours with a rock‑steady 37, mixing 20 points on the back with 17 on the front.
But 2024 belonged unequivocally to Kevin Dickson, who blew the field away. His outrageous 26 points on the front nine laid the foundations for a 42‑point masterclass, securing a runaway victory and the kind of folklore round that will be spoken of for years.
This Year’s Draw – Dundonald 2025
10:50 AM Daley Smith • Ian Fisher • Allan Argue • Eric Lambert
11:00 AM Michael Cantlay • Kevin Dickson • Ewan Kinnear • Eric Lambert
11:10 AM Ian Bilsland • Thomas McCulloch • David Mitchell • David Smith
11:20 AM Iain Aitchison • Jonathan Dickson • Ken Swa • Gordon Stewart
11:30 AM Kevin Beattie • Alan Black • Frank Johnson • Keith Stirling
11:40 AM Mark Higham • David McLeod • Alistair Shand • —
11:50 AM Tony Moran • Jim Stewart • Lucy Moran • —
12:00 PM Andy Barton • Tariq Ali • Jonathan Fletcher • Douglas Hamilton
A Prediction?
Defending champion Kevin Dickson has the pedigree, but it’s rare to go back‑to‑back at Dundonald, there is only one Alan Black! Dickson remains the man to beat, but defending in the breeze on Dundonald’s greens is a Herculean task. Mark Higham, flush with form this season, looks best placed to topple him and hold the Salver. Alan Black, chasing redemption after last year’s stumble, cannot be discounted, while Tony Moran’s steady links game might provide a late charge.
Final Word
The Muirfield Salver is a highlight not just for its prestige, but for its traditions — an away day of golf, camaraderie, jokes, and the inevitable moment where someone’s card is ruined in the marram. Good luck to all competitors. May Dundonald be generous, and may the victor savour the walk to the clubhouse.
Prediction for Saturday night: A new name to be added to the roll.