Dunning Golf Update w/e 25th April 2015

"The Race for the Rollo Spoon"

Last Saturday at Dunning.....warm weather greeted the second round of the race for the Rollo Spoon. There is no egg involved in this particular race, and that’s no yoke, just the opportunity to win one of Dunning GC’s most prestigious trophies. With the 2 best rounds from 3 counting, there is still all to play for as we move to round 3 this weekend. Current leader is Chris MacIntosh with a “2 from 2’ total of 127. The winner, which could be Chris, will probably end up with a total nearer 120. On the other hand….it could be you!
The Rollo Spoon also masquerades as the qualifier for the Club Scratch Matchplay. The top 16 gross scores – again, best 2 from 3 – will qualify. Andrew Stewart heads the current table with 147, a total that will almost certainly keep him in the top 16, not withstanding a surge of brilliant golf from 16 other gents. Possible, but highly unlikely.
This Saturday’s competition commences at 7.30am. From the beginning of May, first tee time will be 7am, thereby giving a chance for more golfers to play Saturday morning golf.

The Tortoise and the Golfer(s)

Having already issued a general “warning” on the matter of slow play, a more specific communication has gone out to three gents as a result of their pedestrian antics last Saturday. They might have heeded the warning signs when they saw Tommy the Tortoise (newly awaken from hibernation in his Upper Granco Street winter home) move past them on the 8^th hole.
To be fair, the gents involved have responded well to my gentle reminder.
As a guide, if you fall one hole behind the group in front …. speed up! If you fall two holes behind….. I suggest you check that you still have a pulse. It’s your responsibility to keep up with the group in front and not just ahead of the group behind. 

Forthcoming Attractions (even more forthcoming than when I last mentioned them)

Sign up sheets are already pinned up (and rapidly filling up) in the Gents Changing Room for the three handicap Matchplay competitions:

• The Alexander Cup and the Colonel George Cup – both Singles with full handicap allowance

• The Patterson Quaich – Pairs competition in Foursomes (alternate shot) format.

The sign up sheets will be removed after the May Bank Holiday weekend so the draws can be made.  Both Singles winners qualify for the Grand Slam of Golf. 
In addition:

• Gents Summer League, the Race to Fairmont, starts on Thursday 7^thMay. Format is Strokeplay off the Medal tees with best 6 scores to count. There’s a £3 entry fee for this competition with the top 4 playing off for the title at the Fairmont, St Andrew Bay in October.

• The Gents Invitational Pairs – first of four Invitational Saturdays – takes place on Saturday 9^th May. This is a Better Ball competition – each player in a pair playing their own ball with the best score on the hole to count. A full set of simple “rules” will be issued on the day that, judging by past competitions, will confuse 60% of the field. Find yourself a Guest (with a handicap) to play with and book your tee time now. The booking template is open now and we have over 20 pairs signed up already. There’s a £150 prize for the winning team as well as ludicrously generous prizes for 2^nd and 3^rd places. All for an entry fee of  £10 per team. If you can’t find a Guest to play with, pair up with another member.

• First Round of the Mixed Pairs (including the Roy Smith Memorial Trophy) is on Sunday 10^th May with a 9.30am shotgun start. That’s two competitions for the price of one, meaning that every great shot counts twice. Unfortunately, so does every poor shot. In fact they usually cost more. Let the Starters know if you would like to play but want us to arrange a partner. They know all about it (now).

We’ll soon be moving into Dunning Open season. First up is the Dunning Ladies Open on Saturday 13^th June. More detail to follow. In the meantime, I’ve accepted a small bribe to mention the Ladies Open at Muthill on Thursday 14^th May. It’s a Greensomes format - both players driving, chose the best one and alternate shots from thereon. It’s a super little course, and I certainly haven’t been bribed to say that.

And Finally

I’ve had 20+ orders already from Gents wishing to take advantage of our polo shirt offer. The polo shirt we have picked is seen here. It’s Navy Blue with the Dunning Crest done in Spearmint. The Dunning Ladies have chosen Spearmint with a Navy Crest – very smart. Price to you is £23.50 (the lot). If you wish to order, please place a cheque for £23.50 (to Dunning Golf Club) in an envelope marked for my attention and your shirt size in my tray in the Starter’s office. Offer closes 27^thApril.