Winter Events Programme 2026/27

Written By Tariq Ali

Overview

In addition to the Fourball Match Play competition administered by Iain and Tariq, the Club will run a structured programme of individual winter competitions. These events are open to all members, and participation in one or multiple events is encouraged.

Winter Fourball: Find a Partner and Join the Chase

With the season drawing to a close and the Dinner Dance approaching, it’s time to enter Dun Whinny’s Winter Pairs Knockout. There is silverware to chase, too: the trophy dates back to 1978, when it was presented by former Captain James Morrison.

The competition runs throughout winter—or until your opponents decide otherwise—with approximately one round each month, arranged at a mutually convenient time. Members planning an extended spell away should consider whether they can fulfil their fixtures before entering.

Entries are now open via the app, until 31st October. If you have a partner, let the organiser know so you can be teamed up; if not, choose another unpaired entrant or ask to be matched. You cannot partner the same member as last year, except for defending champions Marshall and Lambert, who are entitled to defend together.

Pairing information will be updated regularly, with the draw available at the beginning of November. Get your name down, find a willing accomplice, and give those winter golf gloves something worthwhile to do!

Competitions and Trophies

  1. Single-Round Stableford Trophy

    • Awarded for the best Stableford score recorded over any one qualifying round during the winter season.

  2. Aggregate Stableford Trophy

    • Awarded for the best total of a player’s four highest Stableford scores recorded during the season.

    • A maximum of two counting rounds may be recorded from any single course (i.e., at least two different courses must be represented within the four counting rounds).

  3. Eclectic (Gross) — Non-prize Event

    • An informal eclectic competition tracking each player’s best gross score on every hole over the course of the season.

    • Tracked in three handicap index divisions:

      • 0–9

      • 10–19

      • 20–36

    • Note: This is for interest and benchmarking only; no prizes will be awarded.

Administration and Score Submission

  • Administrators: Iain and Tariq

  • Saturday Draws and Scoring:

    • The club app will be used for Saturday draws and live scoring where possible.

    • However, to ensure accurate inclusion in the winter leaderboards (as not all Saturday players enter the winter events), please also submit a photo of your scorecard or app summary to Iain or Tariq.

Eligibility and Playing Conditions

  • Companionship: Scores are eligible only when played in the company of at least one other Dun Whinny member.

  • Frequency: Up to three submitted rounds per week are permitted per player for winter competitions.

  • Season Dates: Saturday 1 November 2025 to Saturday 28 February 2026 (inclusive).

  • Concessions (Gimmes): Please be mindful that some players may be submitting scores for competition while others are playing socially. As guidance, concessions up to approximately 2 feet are considered reasonable; beyond that, please putt out.

  • Preferred Lies: Preferred lies apply throughout the Winter League period across all participating courses, in accordance with local rules.

Handicapping and Calculation Method

  • Winter Handicap Basis:

    • Your winter competition handicap will be based on your Handicap Index as at the conclusion of the final Medal of the regular season.

    • Course Handicap for each round will be calculated using the Yellow tees slope rating for the course being played.

    • Important: For these winter events, the Course Rating minus Par adjustment will not be applied.

    • Winter Stableford will be 95% of handicap. Eclectic will be 100% of handicap.

    • All scores are non-counting.

  • Consistency:

    • The above method will remain in force for the duration of the winter season.

Recording Requirements

  • Scorecards:

    • Record your gross score on each hole.

    • Ensure the card is legible, totals are correct, and it is verified by your Dun Whinny playing partner.

    • Submit a clear photo of the completed card, or a screenshot from the app, to Iain or Tariq on the day of play where possible.

Participation

  • All members are warmly invited to take part in any or all of the winter competitions.

  • Queries:

We look forward to a well-supported and enjoyable winter season. Play well, submit promptly, and stay warm.

Tariq Ali
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