2024 | Welcome to SUGS

This years SUGS v LUGS match took place at Muirfield on Friday 23 February 2024. It was a brisk but dry day and the SUGS arrived confident in their ability to hang onto the Falconer Ball. So confident in fact that Fraser had omitted to bring the original ball with him, which has now etched a deep groove for itself on his mantlepiece, having been there for the last 10+ years.

On the night before the match, a full house attended the informal dinner held at the Old Clubhouse following informal golf at a combination of Luffness, North Berwick and Muirfield. We were fortunate to be joined by immediate past Captain Gordon Simmonds. With George Yeandle back in attendance for the LUGS, the wine list was perused with more care than normal as, one by one, we drank the restaurant dry of our preferred and second choice white wines.

The morning foursomes pairings were announced in the usual manner. For the first time in the fixture's history, we were delighted to introduce two senior’s matches. And a happy toast was raised to the first SUGS / LUGS wedding following the engagement of Nicola Taylor and Jonny Calder who will be married in the summer.

Unfortunately, the Mallard or the Watchman (as it is now known) was shut for renovation and so the SUGS were billeted across Ewan Cameron’s house and two Air BnB’s on the High Street in Gullane. The LUGS were staying in the Royal Apartments in North Berwick.

The morning foursomes saw a dominant display by the LUGS, with LUGS emerging 4-1 up at lunch.

Callum Connacher and Dave Greenshields, the smallest SUGS pairing in history, did emerge victorious against Captain John Dennis and Joe Park. But otherwise, it was all LUGS on the Board. Our own Captain Cameron and Vice Captain Simpson lost to debutant Hugh Jackson and Alex Modgill. Jonny Calder and Andrew Jessop lost to Nick Holt and Jimmy Bull despite Jonny holing his shot from the fairway of their opening hole (the 10th hole at Muirfiled) to promptly go 1 up. Simon Holt and Mark Kernaghan lost out to Sean Dryden and Gorm Neilson whilst Nicola Taylor and the returning Porky Kershaw triumphed over Sandy Reid and debutant Ross Finlay.

The seniors played a friendly 9-hole match in the morning before a competitive foursomes game in the afternoon. That way they could play with different members of the opposition whilst still have a competitive match.

3 years ago, at Sandwich, a 4.5 v 1.5 lead at lunch was insufficient for the LUGS to get over the line. That memory was heartening to the SUGS, possibly because it seemed to loom so large in the LUGS consciousness. Could the LUGS snatch defeat from the jaws of victory yet again. Surely not….

Much revelry was had over lunch with an electric atmosphere in a packed clubhouse. The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers deserves much acclaim for serving up more than 140 lunches on Friday. Being the day before the Calcutta Cup, the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers was packed with some rugby greats including the likes of Bill Beaumont and Andy Irvine, but the SUGS resisted the temptation to enlist the help of any Scotland greats for a half time team talk to raise their spirits. We might need to reconsider that next year as in the afternoon session the LUGS triumphed 4 points to 3 – running out overall winners by 8 points to 4.

Callum Connacher and Captain Cameron went down to Hugh Jackson and Joe Park. Dave Greenshields and Mark Kernaghan lost out to Gorm Neilson and Jimmy Bull and Simon Holt and Sandy Reid were not enough resistance for Nick Holt and Alex Modgill. Andrew Jessop and Ross Finlay earned a point over Nicola Taylor and Sean Dryden and Jonny Calder and Dave Simpson also got some blue on the board as they triumphed over Captain Dennis and Porky Kershaw in the shoe-shine match.

The seniors' fixtures ended in a point apiece with Fraser McCluskey and the newly elected R&A man Mike Morrison winning against Nick Kershaw and Hugh Maurice whilst former Secretary Iain Crawford and President Nigel Watt lost out to Neil Falconer and George Yeandle.

On the Friday night the dinner was held in Gullane Golf Club which served us very well with a fond welcome and some delicious food. We were fortunate to be joined by Secretary Keating who had broken his hand a few weeks before and so could not play in the fixture.

Captain Cameron gave a fine address and congratulated the LUGS on their victory. In a break from tradition, Captain Dennis spoke rather than our founding father Falconer. John was adamant this was the first win in a "decade of dominance" for the LUGS and that next year he would be dawning a DOD tattoo. Match organiser Jessop just about survived a motion of no confidence having offered his resignation to Captain Cameron and Vice Captain Simpson after a tough defeat.

The debutants of Jackman and Holt as well as Finlay for the SUGS were asked for their reflections on the match. Jackman and Holt reflected that they had both played in the fixture before but their contributions were obviously forgettable given they have been referred to as debutants throughout. Finlay recalled what a fine day it had been albeit that after a few drinks and with a relatively strong west coast accent Jessop had to offer a brief translation for some of our LUGS friends.

All were heartened to hear that Doc Wells was now home after some 8 months in hospital and we wish him well with his recovery. He is missed.

The evening adjourned with Cameron regaling us with his fine rendition of a Wee Doc and Doris....

Thankfully for the Scots licking their wounds their rugby team continued their march to a decade of dominance against England on the Saturday. We hope revenge can be had in Sandwich. Nicola Taylor has the trophy and Fraser will work out how to get the original Falconer Ball south.

Results:

SUGS 4 - 8 LUGS

SUGS (Seniors) 1 - 1 LUGS (Seniors)

SUGS v Heriot Watt University - Gullane No 2 - Sunday 25 February 2024

Matches (SUGS names first)

1) George Sampson & Lewis Govenlock beat Jack Lucas & Louis Mclean-Steel by 3&2
2) David Giffin & Andrew Cunningham beat Angus McFall & Innes by 5&4
3) Ewan Cameron & Stephen Govenlock beat Tommy Ranyard & Sebastian Smith by 3&2
4) Andrew Thomson & Iain Galbraith halved with Craig McFarlane & Jamie McNaught

Overall Result:

SUGS 3.5 - 0.5 Heriot Watt University

SUGS v Aberdeen University - Royal Aberdeen GC - Sunday 3 March 2024

After attending AUGC’s charity ball at Pittodrie Stadium the night before, both teams assembled for lunch in the clubhouse. After fortifying their spirits, the order was announced. Game 3 was a historic moment for SUGS as Georgina Hirst and Emma Gowland became the first ladies to represent the society. They, alongside three other SUGS pairs, romped to victory in tough conditions. This was Duncan Martin’s last year managing this fixture. Many thanks to Duncan for his organisational efforts over the years and to Andrew Purdie for stepping agreeing to take this responsibility on.

Matches (SUGS names first)

1) Ewan Cameron & Gordon Simmonds lost to Nick Smith & Jack Tobin 4&3

2) John Bisset & George Colleran beat George Hilton-Rhind & Matthew Jacques 3&2

3) Emma Gowland & Georgina Hirst beat Kay Kei Poon and Joanna Sheils 5&3

4) Cameron Black & David Connelly beat Kieran McMillan & Callum Leeson 4&3

5) Roddy Mackay & Duncan Martin beat Fraser Brock & Andrew Wilkie 2&1

Overall Result:

SUGS 4 - 1 Aberdeen University

SUGS v Glasgow University - Western Gailes GC - Sunday 10 March 2024

Matches (SUGS names first)

1) Ewan Cameron & Daniel Forbes lost to Malcolm Scott-Watson & Lewis Irvin

2) David Giffin & Andrew Biggart beat Finlay Martin & Cameron Potter

3) John Devine & Noel Crilley beat Eoghan Singleton & Rory Singleton

4) Jak Muir & Charles Hammond beat Danny Howes & Ronnie Craig

Overall Result:

SUGS 3 - 1 Glasgow University

SUGS v Strathclyde University - Western Gailes GC - Sunday 17 March 2024

Following on from last year’s exciting halved match, the SUGS team were able to run away as comfortable winners in this year’s match against the University of Strathclyde at the fantastic Western Gailes GC. Despite the heavy rain that the West of Scotland had experienced in the weeks leading up to the match, WGGC held up fantastically and the greens were rolling tremendously for the time of year.

A strong SUGS teams, with a great blend of new and experienced members, took to the Ayrshire links looking to improve on last year’s half match and achieve victory for SUGS over the students. Due to a scheduling conflict, the UoS were not able to field their strongest team but as they say, ‘You can only beat what is put in front of you’. This is exactly what the SUGS team did and managed to achieve and emphatic 5-1 victory.

The match was played in great spirits, and it was fantastic to see so many enthusiastic students. The course and hospitality at Western Gailes could not have been faulted and SUGS looks forward greatly to returning next year.

Matches (SUGS names first)

1) Callum Connacher & Al Pugh beat Rudy Brown & Bobby Grey by 3&2

2) Ewan Cameron & Alexander Reid beat Eddie Custy & Hugo Graham by 3&2

3) Kenny McKay & Ross Finlay lost to John Hamilton & Jack Brockleback by 2&1

4) Martin Friel & Andrew McCrone beat Shug Shiels & Liam Shepard by 5&4

5) Andrew Biggart & Stefan Hindmarsh beat Aidan Reilly & Ben Patterson by 3&2

6) Gregor Millar & Kenny Hunter beat Andrew McLay & Murray Fotheringham by 2&1

Overall Result:

SUGS 5 - 1 Strathclyde University

SUGS v Dublin University GS (DUGS) – Portmarnock GC - Friday 22 March 2024

Morning Foursomes (SUGS names first)

1) D Forbes & J Scott lost to J O’Driscoll & S Mulcahy 1up

2) D Simpson & C Black lost to J Counihan & A Stokes 1up

3) J Calder & L O’Sullivan beat M Murnane & D Conway Jnr 2/1

4) J Tully Jackson & R McNeill lost to N Dillon & D Garrahy 3/2

5) N Crilly & J Canning halved with F Quilty & D Conway

6) M Kernaghan & J Nelson beat J Kenny & P Fitzgerald 4/3

AM Result: SUGS 2.5 - 3.5 SUGS

Afternoon Foursomes (SUGS names first)
1) D Simpson & D Forbes lost to J O’Driscoll & A Stokes 1up

2) M Kernaghan & C Black lost to F Quilty & D Garrahy 6/5

3) J Scott & J Nelson lost to S Mulcahy & P Fitzgerald 5/4

4) J Calder & J Tully Jackson lost to M Murnane & N Dillon 4/3

5) L O’Sullivan & N Crilly lost to D Conway & J Counihan 1up

6) J Canning & R McNeill lost to J Kenny & D Conway Jnr 4/3

PM Result: SUGS 0 - 6 DUGS

Overall Result:

SUGS 2.5 – 9.5 DUGS

SUGS Seniors v DUGS Seniors - Portmarnock GC - Friday 22 March 2024

AM Foursomes (SUGS names first)
1) C Hammond & P Pritchett lost to A Bryce & H Lauder 5/4

2) B Watson & J Haggart lost to G Caldwell & J Conway 2/1

PM Foursomes (SUGS names first)
1) C Hammond & B Watson lost to G Caldwell & A Jameson 4/3

2) J Haggart & P Pritchett beat A Bryce & J Conway 1up

Overall Result:

SUGS Seniors 1 - 3 DUGS Seniors

SUGS v St Andrews University - St Andrews (Jubilee & Old) - Saturday 23 March 2024

Morning Foursomes - scratch - Jubilee (SUGS names first)

1) Al Pugh & Alex Hill beat Ed Chambler & Luis Wahl 2up

2) Ewan Cameron & Charlie Webb beat Hugo Rintoul & Henry Maw 4&3

3) Alexander Reid & Tim Pakenham beat Harry Hawthorn & Teddy Wallace 3&2

4) Fraser McCluskey & Sandy Reid beat Finlay Watson & Kevin Kane 3&2

5) Daniel Pilley & David Greenshields lost to Angus MacKay & Billy Cropper 2&1

6) Colin Steele & Robert McNutt halved with Angus Rintoul & Christie Marcus Paul

AM Result: SUGS 4.5 - 1.5 St Andrews University

Afternoon Better ball - Handicap - Old Course (SUGS names first)

1) Charlie Webb & Alex Hill beat Ed Chambler & Hugo Rintoul 5&4

2) Al Pugh & Tim Pakenham beat Finlay Watson & Henry Maw 3&2

3) David Greenshields & Fraser McCluskey beat Luis Wahl & Teddy Wallace 6&5

4) Alexander Reid & Sandy Reid beat Angus Rintoul & Kevin Kane 3&2

5) Ewan Cameron & Robert McNutt halved with Christie Marcus Paul & Angus Mackay

6) Colin Steele & Daniel Pilley lost to Billy Cropper & Harry Hawthorn 4&3

PM Result: SUGS 4.5 – 1.5 St Andrews University

Overall Result:

SUGS 9 - 3 St Andrews University

Spring Meeting - Prestwick GC - Sunday 14 April 2024

A strong field of 30 SUGS were treated to a fresh Spring Day at Prestwick Golf Club for our annual Spring Meeting. Conditions were tough, with a serious gusting wind to keep players on their toes.

Unsurprisingly the SUGS were not deterred and quality golf was on display. Callum Connacher, with a score of 74 less 3 for a nett 71, took home the Thomson Quaich. Narrowly pipping Callum, Dan Forbes claimed the Baird Purdie Trophy with an excellent score of 73 given the testing conditions.

Golf was followed by lunch in Prestwick’s Big Room with the presentation of trophies, Captain Ewan Cameron took the chance to thank Ken Goodwin, outgoing Secretary of Prestwick for his long-standing assistance in arranging the fixture, and chef David Bennet and his staff for a warm welcome and excellent food. We wish Ken all the best in his retirement as Secretary of Prestwick Golf Club.

Baird Purdie Trophy (Scratch)

Winner - Daniel Forbes – 73

Thomson Quaich (Handicap)

Winner - Callum Connacher – 71

Perthshire Pinehurst - Comrie GC - Sunday 19 May 2024

We were marginally down on numbers for this year's Pinehurst (Foursomes), but the quality of both the golf and post golf BBQ remained first class; the entire day was also enjoyed by honorary 4 legged SUG, Polly (Greenshields), who enjoyed a run around the Laggan Braes. Mike Mullins and Stephen Govenlock did not golf, but were present for the BBQ. Despite the weather being A1 earlier in the week, wall to wall blue skies had disappeared by the day of the event (sadly this proved to a regular occurrence for the rest of the 2024 summer!) but this did not overly detract from another sociable and convivial occasion; proof that it is not necessary to have a championship links to enjoy good golf.

AMT

Results (no sides!)

1) Charles Hammond & Colin Christy lost to Robin Duncan & Callum Connacher
2) Richard Muckart & David Greenshields lost to Andrew Biggart & Andrew Thomson
3) Nigel Watt & Campbell Watt lost to Alasdair McLeish & Joanne Watt

Midlothian Ladies - Gullane No 2 - Friday 31 May 2024

Wall to wall sunshine greeted both sides on arrival at Gullane, but with an easterly breeze the temperature had dropped noticeably after an hour of play. The quick pace of foursomes golf should not be underestimated at Gullane, as a visiting fourball group found out during the front nine, but they were gracious enough to stand aside and let the matches pass through. Despite Captain Cameron's long and illustrious membership of SUGS, this was his first encounter in the Midlothian Ladies fixture. Partnered by Past Captain Simmonds, they held on for a 1 hole win to avoid a whitewash for SUGS, but not enough to prevent MCLGA from retaining the Stags Trophy for another year.

AMT

Matches (SUGS names first)

1) Cameron Brodie & Tim Pakenham lost to Louise Fraser & Wendy Nicholson by 2&1
2) Andrew Thomson & Tim Edward lost to Karen Marshall & Caroline Steedman by 2&1
3) David Anderson & Kenny McKay lost to Lucy Morrison & Anne Hanson by 5&4
4) Gordon Simmonds & Ewan Cameron beat Hilary Laughland & Megan Fallon by 1 hole

Result: SUGS 1 - 3 MCLGA

SUGS v Tantallon GC - North Berwick West Links - Saturday 8 June 2024

With much grace, shouldering clubs, donned in jacket and SUGS tie, the team arrived at the Tantallon clubhouse on a glorious Summer’s day. After enjoying lunch, the matches kicked off with three points to play for per game (better ball and singles matches). Tantallon put out a strong team and came out on top.

The après golf consisted of the infamous Tantallon Salad, with ample rehydration to ensure those on the train back to Edinburgh were well aware of the day's events. Another fine day out on the storied West Links.

Matches:

1) E Cameron and A Pugh v F Symon and S Holt

SUGS win pairs match

Pugh beat Symon

Cameron lost to Holt

2) G Miller and R Finlay v N Orr and D McKiddie

SUGS lost pairs match

Finlay lost to McKiddie

Miller lost to Orr

3) A Rintoul and R McNutt v G Pugh and S Govenlock

SUGS lost pairs match

Rintoul lost to Govenlock

McNutt lost to Pugh

4) S Hindmarsh and L Coulter v A Herd and P Hare

SUGS lost pairs match

Hindmarsh lost to Herd

Coulter beat Hare

Overall Result:

SUGS 3 - 9 Tantallon GC

St Andrews SUGS - Jubilee Course, St Andrews - Sunday 11th August 2024

Following a first-class dinner on Saturday evening in R&A Forgan House, attended by 18 players, the match was played on the Jubilee Course in fine weather, the result SUGS in fine form narrowly regained the GUR Trophy, details below.

Matches (SUGS named first)

Ian Crawford & Charles Hammond - won 4&3 v Hamish Phillips & Alastair Russell

Mike Reid & Steve Govenlock v Murray Drummond & Peter McCallum - won 1 hole

Daniel Forbes & Nigel Watt v Charlie Webb & David McLeary - Half

Keith Macintosh & Phil Pritchett v Ian Kerr & Graham Murray - Half

Fraser McCluskey & Mark Kernaghan - won 2&1 v Sandy Reid & Jack Rogan

Result: SUGS 3 - 2 St Andrews SUGS

SUGS v Gullane GC - Gullane No 1 - Sunday 1 September 2024

1) George Sampson & Ewan Cameron beat Colin Steele & Drew McCrone 3&2

2) Andrew Thomson & Scott Miller lost to John Garden & Glen Miller 2&1

3) Mark Kernaghan & Andrew Gray lost to Ewan Gordon & Roddy Stevenson 3&2

4) Phil Pritchett & Lee Coulter halved with Andrew Brown & Gerard Seydak

5) Richard Inglis & Nigel Watt lost to Joseph Cookson & Paul Craigs 4&3

Overall Result: SUGS 1.5 – 3.5 GGC

SUGS v Queens University Golfing Society (QUGS) – Royal Portrush and Royal County Down - Friday 26 & Saturday 27 September 2024

At the pre-match meal in Harrys Shack, Portstewart we were aware that the weather was deteriorating with heavy rain. Sadly, by the time we arrived at Royal Portrush on Thursday morning the conditions were verging on unplayable as the heavy winds arrived. As we debated the merits of not playing, Ewan Cameron and Colin Dempster were busy getting changed and moved out towards the first tee – decision made.

As we watched the first 2 matches struggle to keep their drives within the boundaries of the golf club, we all realised that the morning golf would be challenging. Indeed, it took a rousing speech by Colin Dempster as we huddled in the Halfway hut to keep us out on the course. The mention of Dunkirk was enough to convince some of the hardier souls to continue.

After lunch, the weather eased a bit but a reluctance to leave the clubhouse persisted, possibly helped by the wine. Therefore, it was agreed that those who wanted to play on The Valley could do so, but the afternoon scores would just be shared… The day finished: SUGS 10 - QUGS 6.

The weather improved considerably for Friday ad Royal Couty Down again looking magnificent. SUGS ran out winners with a final score SUGS 20 - QUGS 12.

Out thanks to Royal Portrush and Royal County Down and their catering staff for 2 fantastic days. The post-match meal was held again in Malone Golf Club where Peter Greene the QUGS captain presented the ‘putter’ to the SUGS captain Ewan Cameron.

Day 1: Royal Portrush G.C. – Dunluce

AM Matches (SUGS named first)

1) David Simpson & Charlie Webb beat Ben Brennan & Jamie Clements 1 up

2) Colin Steele & Charles Hammond beat Paddy Deeney & Micky Curran 1 up

3) Colin Dempster & Matt Bentley beat Andy Dick & Richard Nicholas 4&3

4) Kenny McKay & Robert McNutt halved with Chris Connolly & Andy Smith

5) Ewan Cameron & Mark Kernaghan beat Peter Greene & Gregg Sterritt 1 up

6) Martin Friel & Callum Connacher halved with Adam Brown & Jordan Graham

7) Al Pugh & David Fleming lost to Johnny McNeill & Ethan Boal 2&1

8) Jak Muir & Jonathan Canning lost to Robert Bowman & James Dowling 3&2

AM Result: SUGS 6 - 2 QUGS

PM Matches

1) Al Pugh & Callum Connacher halved with Ethan Boal & Adam Brown

2) Charlie Webb & Jonathan Canning halved with Ben Brennan & Jordan Graham

3) Martin Friel & Mark Kernaghan halved with Peter Greene & Robert Bowman

4) David Simpson & Colin Steele halved with Johnny McNeill & Jamie Clements

5) Ewan Cameron & Charles Hammond halved with Andy Dick & Chris Connolly

6) Robert McNutt & David Fleming halved with Paddy Deeney & James Dowling

7) Colin Dempster & Kenny McKay halved with Richard Nicholas & Gregg Sterritt

8) Matt Bentley & Jak Muir halved with Micky Curran & Andy Smith

PM Result: SUGS 4 - 4 QUGS

Day 1 Overall: SUGS 10 - 6 QUGS

Day 2: Royal County Down G.C. – Championship

AM Matches

1) Martin Friel & David Simpson lost to Peter Greene & Phil O'Sullivan 1 up

2) Callum Connacher & Charlie Webb beat Adam Brown & Jordan Graham 6&5

3) Jonathan Canning & Al Pugh beat Ethan Boal & Luke Millar 2&1

4) Matt Bentley & Charles Hammond lost to Gregg Sterritt & Peter Greene 1 up

5) Robert McNutt & Mark Kernaghan beat Johnny McNeill & Mike Graham 5&4

6) Ewan Cameron & David Fleming beat Pete Cooley & Michael Black 2&1

7) Colin Steele & Colin Dempster beat Alistair Dick & Andy Smith

8) Jak Muir & Kenny McKay lost to Andy Dick & Paddy Deeney 3&2

AM Result: SUGS 5 - 3 QUGS

PM Matches

1) Martin Friel & Charlie Webb beat Johnny McNeill & Adam Brown 1 up

2) David Simpson & Mark Kernaghan beat Jordan Graham & Mike Graham 3&2

3) Callum Connacher & Robert McNutt beat Dan McCrea & Gregg Sterritt

4) Al Pugh & Ewan Cameron lost to Peter Greene & Luke Millar 1 up

5) Charles Hammond & Colin Dempster lost to Alistair Dick & Michael Black 3&2

6) Kenny McKay & Jonathan Canning beat Phil O'Sullivan & Ethan Boal 2 up

7) Colin Steele & Matt Bentley lost to Andy Dick & Michael Black 2&1

8) David Fleming & Jak Muir beat Paddy Deeney & Andy Smith 4&3

PM Result: SUGS 5 - 3 QUGS

Day 2 Overall: SUGS 10 - 6 QUGS

Overall Result:

SUGS 20 - 12 QUGS

SUGS Seniors v QUGS Seniors – Massereene, Royal Portrush and Royal County Down - Friday 26 & Saturday 27 September 2024

This year's match for the Bobby Jones Trophy played at Massereene, Royal Portrush and Royal County Down on 25 to 27 September resulted in a 4 - 2 victory for SUGS. As usual we joined with the main match for lunch and dinner at Royal Portrush, lunch at RCD, and the final dinner at Malone. The courses and the catering were of the usual excellent standard.

QUGS were represented by Tim Browne, Peter Dick, Brian Fleming, Ian Dick, Peter Conlon and Rab Brady. SUGS were represented by Iain Crawford, David Anderson, Andrew McCrone, Andrew Thomson and Gordon Simmonds.

Overall Result:

SUGS Seniors 4 - 2 QUGS Seniors

SUGS v Luffness New GC - Luffness - Sunday 13 October 2024

SUGS drew 3-3 and so retained the trophy (although it will remain in the trophy cabinet at Luffness). As always it was a great day, enjoyed by everyone.

Foursomes Matches (SUGS names first)

1) Ewan Cameron & Fraser McCluskey lost to Colin Scott & Keith Yuille 3&2

2) Robert McNutt & Callum Connacher beat Sandy Reid & Simon Haynes 1 hole

3) Drew McCrone & Alan Waite lost to John Hall & Alastair Milne 3&2

4) Mike Reid & Gregor Miller beat Sandy Robertson & Hector Chawla 2&1

5) Phil Pritchett & Lee Coulter beat Ian Bryson & Peter Grant 1 hole

6) Richard Muckart & Nigel Watt lost to Tim Pakenham & Andrew 7&6

Overall Result:

SUGS 3 - 3 Luffness New GC

SUGS v Dundee University - Scotscraig GC - Sunday 13 October 2024

Matches (SUGS pairs named)

1) Elliot Innes & David Murray lost 6&5
2) Alex Room & Kenny McKay won 1up
3) Andrew Thomson & Ian Kerr won 6&5
4) Brendan Ferguson & Scott Finlay won 8&7

Overall Result:

SUGS 3 - 1 Dundee University

SUGS v Oxford and Cambridge Golfing Society - Walton Heath - Friday 18 October 2024

Friday 18th October saw SUGS travel to Walton Heath for our biennial fixture against our friends from The Society. Some early morning fog made the opening few holes on the Old Course tricky, however some good golf was played on the beautifully presented Heath for the time of year. SUGS ran out winners in the top 4 morning matches before OCGS fought back to take matches 5 and 6 leaving a 4-2 scoreline after play on the Old Course. Some pleasant autumnal sun allowed aperitifs to be enjoyed on the club terrace before convening for traditional lunch in The Fowler Room. Afternoon play followed on the New Course with 6 close matches entering the back 9 still leaving all possible results in play. However some SUGS birdies in the early matches allowed the away side to nudge in front to secure an overall 8-4 margin of victory and in doing so, reclaim The Centenary Quaich for the first time since 2014. A wonderful black tie match dinner followed in the clubhouse with OCGS Match Captain Alex Silver speaking for the home side before SUGS Captain Ewan Cameron responded on behalf of the visitors. The Premier Inn bar and bright lights of Epsom High Street concluded festivities where sadly an equivalent calibre of wine to the Pomerol enjoyed at dinner proved tougher to locate! Overall, a wonderful day in the company of The Society generously hosted by a superb venue on and off the course in Walton Heath."

Morning Foursomes - Old Course (SUGS names first)

1) David Simpson & Dougie Hunter beat Logan Mair & Alex Silver 4&3

2) Johnny Brewer & Gordon Forster beat Mike MacPhee & Andrew Dodds 2&1

3) Jonny Calder & Elliot Innes beat Duncan Reid & Heinrich Moller 3&2

4) Michael Choong & John Tully Jackson beat Tolley & Jamie MacFarlane 2&1

5) Ewan Cameron & David McCall lost to Cliff Weight & Allan Wright 3&2

6) Colin Swan & Andy Landsburgh lost to Simon Anthony and William Moore 4&3

Afternoon Foursomes - New Course (SUGS names first)

1) Gordon Forster & Dougie Hunter beat Andrew Dodds & Duncan Reid 3&2

2) Jonny Calder & Colin Swan halved with Alex Silver & Jamie MacFarlane

3) Elliot Innes & John Tully Jackson lost to Mike MacPhee and Logan Mair 3&2

4) David Simpson & David McCall halved with Allan Wright & William Moore

5) Johnny Brewer & Michael Choong beat Lisa Webster & Tolley 4&3

6) Andy Landsburgh & Ewan Cameron beat Simon Anthony and Heinrich Moller 2&1

Overall Result:

SUGS 8 - 4 OCGS

SUGS v Stirling University – Castle Stuart GC - Sunday 20 October 2024

The first match against Stirling since 2014 was played at the wonderful Castle Stuart. After half the team spent the early hours in Nairn’s finest nightclub, The Play House, all were relieved to wake to relatively benign conditions given a storm was expected. With the sun shining, pairs teed off. Stirling’s top pairs were very strong (three of the four players are considering turning pro when they finish their studies), and proved a little too much. Out back, however, the dynamic duo of Coulter and Miller were proving that little sleep and a sore head can actually improve your game. After coordinating the match so well, it was fitting that match manager Alistair Marquis-Carr brought home a vital point with Stefan to tie the match.

Fourball Better ball (SUGS pairs named)

1) Rob McNutt & David Giffin lost 2&1
2) Noel Crilley & Jack Keating lost 3&2
3) Gregor Miller & Lee Coulter won 4&3
4) Alasdair Marquis-Carr & Stefan Hindmarsh won 2&1

Overall Result:

SUGS 2 - 2 Stirling University

Autumn Meeting - Gullane No 1 & 2 - Saturday 26 October 2024

The Boase players set off in near perfect conditions on Gullane no.2 at first light, announced in turn by President Nigel Watt acting as honorary starter! The prevailing westerly wind picked up mid morning and steadily increased as the day progressed, resulting in some challenging conditions on Gullane no.1 for the afternoon golf. After a few near misses over the years, incoming captain David Simpson finally got his name on the Boase Putter with an excellent 2 under par round in morning followed by a Faldo-esque 15 pars, 3 bogeys on Gullane 1 to win by 4 shots.

An excellent meal in the magnificent surroundings of the Long Room in the New Club rounded off a very enjoyable day. On your behalf we will be writing to the New Club expressing our appreciation for their hospitality. We had 16 players competing for the Boase Putter and a further 19 in the other competitions. A total of 44 SUGS attended the dinner/AGM. Some photos from the day are on the SUGS Instagram page.

Results

David Simpson won the Norman Boase Putter with a combined 71 Stableford points (scratch) over Gullane no.2 and no.1, David Greenshields was 2nd on 67 points.

Al Pugh won the RS Sloan Trophy with an excellent 34 points (scratch) over Gullane no.1, with Angus Rintoul 2nd on 32 points.

Al (not to be read as Artificial Intelligence) also won the CR Duncan Leeds Trophy with 36 points (nett), just pipping Alasdair McLeish on 35 points by dint of a tiny rounding adjustment quirk of the new handicap system.

Keith McCall won the Seniors Salver with 35 points (nett), with Charles Hammond finishing 2nd on 34 points beating Mike Reid on better last 6 holes.

Congratulations to the winners and all of those who took part.

SUGS v Edinburgh University - Goswick - Saturday 2 November 2024

The benign conditions allowed for great scoring - SUGS were reportedly 24 under par better ball in the three matches they won.

Fourball Results (SUGS names first)

1) David Simpson & John Bisset beat Lucia Masding & Patrick Smiley 5&4
2) Dave Greenshields & Sandy Phillips beat Jonny Robertson & Fynn Graham-Nye 3&2
3) Sandy Reid & Martin Friel lost to Hugh Ayers & Murray Paterson 3&2
4) Phil Pritchett & James Cameron lost to Finlay Paterson & Lewis Seath 1dn

5) David Giffin & Robert McNutt beat Josh Pert & Archie Chricton 3&2

Overall Result:

SUGS 3 - 2 Edinburgh University GC