Result - Muirfield Salver 2025 – Dundonald Links
The annual Muirfield Salver proved once again why it is such a highlight of the Dun Whinny calendar. Dundonald Links presented itself dry and crisp as bacon rolls and steaming mugs of tea were dispatched at breakfast, but by the time our esteemed captain Daley Smith set the opening drive of the day, a steady drizzle had settled in. By the time the final fourball strode down the front nine, it was a full Scottish summer experience: consistent, soaking rain from above.
Champion – Douglas Hamilton
All plaudits to Douglas Hamilton, who claimed the Salver with a battling total of 38 points, his round best described as a tale of fortitude and flair. The front nine was steady if unspectacular, with a few loose swings leading to a 17‑point outward tally. But Douglas saved his best for the tough inward half.
The highlights came thick and fast: a chip‑in birdie from the bunker at the 12th (which drew roars from the sodden gallery of one seagull), followed immediately by a nerveless downhill par putt on 13 that slipped in as clean as you like. Extraordinary resilience saw him post 21 points on the back nine – despite failing to score on two holes. In Stableford terms, that is the stuff of minor legend.
A deserving champion, and a win savoured even more for doing it in horizontal rain.
The Sideshows
No Dun Whinny outing would be complete without a smattering of comedy. On the first tee, the great rivalry of Messrs Aitchison and Beattie began with a spirited contest: who could finish shortest, neither reaching past the ladies’ tee. (One suspects they simply wanted to show them respect.) Matters escalated on the 18th, when Mr Beattie urged Mr Aitchison to go for the green in two. He accepted, launched his pride and joy Pro V1... never to be seen again. The green was safe, the birds fed, and the rivalry updated.
Ewan Kinnear meanwhile provided the curiosity shot of the day, playing his second at the par‑3 6th not from the green, but from the bridge — ultimately opting to pick up before his golf turned into structural engineering.
Your correspondent’s own group, despite the phenomenal presence of the eventual champion Hamilton, collectively took 31 shots on the par‑5 4th hole. That’s practically a medal in itself — not for achievement but for sheer endurance.
Dinner & Thanks
As ever, the craic continued into a splendid dinner and prizegiving, where tales of glory grew in direct proportion to the number of drinks poured. Many thanks to our vice‑captain, Mike Cantlay, gracefully assisted by David Mitchell, for organising the day and the festivities that followed.
Congratulations once again to Douglas Hamilton, 2025 Muirfield Salver Champion, whose back‑nine masterclass secured him a memorable victory. A day of golf, soaked in rain, banter, and birdies, plus fine food and drink.
Next stop: back to Dun Whinny, where the fairways are drier but the jokes will be no less soggy. Next Saturday is Round 3 of the Strokeplay Championship on King’s. Entry via the app.
Our esteemed Captain leading us off. Any comments about the bend in his shaft should be directed to Mrs Daley Smith.
Even after the Hibbies being knocked out of Europe, past champion Alan Black was able to manage a smile!
Prof Jonathon Fletcher showing his accuracy by ricocheting off the stump and landing in the middle of fairway.
Another example of his accuracy, getting close to the bunker behind the 11th green!