Result - Jubilee Trophy 2025. PGA. — Dun Whinny Golf Club

Gentlemen,

After five weeks of golfing perfection, the weather gods decided to remind us who's boss. Our annual Jubilee celebration was greeted by heavy clouds, winds that could blow a haggis off a cliff, and puddles deep enough to lose a golf cart. Clearly, the greenkeepers' rain dances were a little too effective.

Despite the less-than-ideal conditions, 38 pairs of eager members and their guests braved the elements. The morning kicked off in Auchterarder 70 with the traditional consumption of copious breakfast rolls, washed down with lashings of tea and coffee. Vice Captain Mr Mike Cantlay then took the stage, delivering a set of instructions so complex they could rival the Da Vinci Code, all in an effort to prevent 76 golfers from simultaneously stampeding the driving range.

As the shotgun start approached, the wind, in a rare moment of kindness, blew away most of the clouds. Teams scattered to their assigned holes, and our very own Mr Ewan Kinnear voiced concerns about his buggy's horsepower. Sources close to the matter suggest the 16 cans of Estrella nestled amongst his clubs might have been a contributing factor. Hydration is key, after all!

Then, at the sound of the klaxon, we were off… and the heavens opened! A passing shower, followed by sunshine, became the day's theme. Undeterred, everyone embraced the challenges of the course and the competition: Nearest the Pin, Longest Drive, Closest in Two, and the format of Betterball Stableford. In my group, Dr. Jonny Dickson, fresh off his four-trophy season, promptly stuck one close on the 11th, seizing an early lead in the Nearest the Pin in Two competition. Alas, the excitement proved too much, and he promptly three-putted from a mere eight feet. Such is golf!

The wind played havoc with scoring, as evidenced by Mr Ken Swa and Mr Bob Cunningham's valiant but ultimately low score of 29 points. Chin up, gentlemen, there's always next year! But as they say, the cream always rises, and we had some truly deserving winners.

Team Triumph

The top eight teams all walked away with prizes for their efforts, with four teams managing to break the 40-point barrier. The top two teams tied with an impressive 44 points, leading to a nail-biting countback over the last nine holes. In second place, narrowly missing out on winning a watch (quite literally!), were the dynamic duo of Mr Billy Z McNeill and his guest, Mr Craig Lumsden. Well played, sirs!

But the ultimate victors, claiming the coveted Jubilee Trophy and a pair of shiny new Shot Scope watches (generously donated by Mr Sandy Grant’s son Ryan), were Mr Ross MacNish and his guest, Mr John McGuffin. After starting with a dreaded zero, they could scarcely believe their fortunes would turn. One can only imagine Mr. McGuffin's initial trepidation at the prospect of carting Mr. MacNish around the course, but thankfully, buggies were available! Mr. McGuffin then proceeded to demonstrate his golfing wizardry, carding two "Magic 2s," including one on the 17th that nearly resulted in a hole-in-one. With the potential of 76 celebratory drinks looming, it was perhaps the first time he wished the ball would miss! The two giants of the game collected a mountain of prizes, casting our esteemed Captain, Daley Smith, into their considerable shadows.

Other notable mentions go to Mr Hugo Rintoul (2nd) and Mr Callum Davidson (16th) for their monster drives in the Longest Drive competition, proving that brute force can indeed conquer the wind.

This day wouldn't have been possible without the tireless efforts of the Gleneagles staff, especially the two professionals who managed the scoring and kept us all refreshed on the course.

Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the truly magnificent array of prizes.

And last but not least, our sincere gratitude to Vice Captain Mike Cantlay and Mr David Mitchell for their meticulous organisation and ensuring the day ran so smoothly.

Taz